KC Parent Magazine April 2012

FREE April 2012 KCParent.com 27 years of connecting with kansas city families

go green! eating organic in kc

why plastic is passĂŠ great crafts using everyday objects

10-PAGE

SUMMER CAMP

GUIDE

freaked out by

germs? quick! turn to pg. 12

kcparent.com april 2012

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healthcare you can trust.

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Heather Williams, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP

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Terms & Conditions - Please present the coupon when purchasing tickets. This discount is not valid with other discounts, coupons or offers and can not be used with online or pre-booked tickets. Duplication or sale of this kcparent.com offer is prohibited. No cash value. Not redeemable for cash or credit.Valid until 12/31/2012. april 2012 Reference - 1008

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REDEFINING PEDIATRIC HEART CARE

ONE CHILD AT A TIME

At Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, our extraordinary approach is helping kids with heart conditions lead ordinary, active lives. As one of the highest-volume pediatric heart centers in the country, our technologically advanced facilities—including state-of-the-art operating suites and cardiovascular labs—allow us to do more procedures less invasively. And our groundbreaking cardiovascular research on the effects of cholesterol and childhood obesity is giving physicians a better picture of how to prevent and treat heart disease. To learn more, visit childrensmercy.org/redefine.

Ranked one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” in cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

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IMAGINE YOUR CHILD ON THE COVER OF OUR MAGAZINE!

Submit one recent photo (taken within the last four months) with only the child you’re entering in the photo — not a photo with siblings. If you enter multiple children, please send an individual photo of each child with a separate entry form and fee for each child. Cost is $25 per child.

A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Forest Avenue Women’s and Children’s Shelter in Kansas City.

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APRIL 2012 CONTENTS

16

46 features 14

Fear of Weather How to calm your child before the storm

59 departments Healthy Kids Women’s Health

40

Time to Move On? Tips for when your child wants to quit an activity

What’s New Media Mix

44

Let Them Play!

The importance of unstructured time for kids

Did You Know?

Word from Dad Blog Bits Out & About in KC

on the cover Freaked Out by Germs?

Eating Organic in KC Why Plastic Is Passé Great Crafts Using Everyday Objects KC’s #1 Camp Guide

12 18 22 24 30

FREE April 2012 KCParent.com 27 years of connecting with kansas city families

go green! great crafts using everyday objects

26 30 48

10-PAGE

SUMMER CAMP

GUIDE

freaked out by

germs? quick!

kcparent.com april 2012

kcparent.com april 2012

Party Guide

Calendar of Events

why plastic is passé

turn to pg. 12

6

special sections Camp Guide

eating organic in kc

10 11 21 28 29 43 47 59

1

Our cover kids are Madelyn (9) & Will (6) from Overland Park. Cover and select interior photos by Antisdels.

Antisdels.com

kcparent.com april 2012

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editor’s letter

>

the all-new!

At KCParent.com April Showers Find a list of great rainy day activities Tune Out Set realistic TV guidelines in your home Play Ball!

Great books for baseball fans Weekend Fun Subscribe to the KCParent.com weekly eNewsletter for your best weekend planner!

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kcparent.com april 2012

I

n my life BC (before children) when I was an elementary school teacher, my principal had a poster in her office that read, “Some days are meant for playing.” I loved that saying and have tried to embrace it in my life. There are some days when you just need a break and need to spend the day playing. For me, that means lingering over a latte with a good book, enjoying a long walk and dinner out, along with playing games and watching a movie with the family. For kids, play is more serious business and needs to happen every day. I’m afraid that in today’s society, the time for play is getting pushed to the side in favor of sports, dance, music and a host of other outside activities.

Before having children, Ty and I made many decisions on how we wanted to raise them, with one of them being that our girls would not be involved in tons of outside activities. We feel that childhood is way too short and the time with family is too precious. Our girls are never in more than one activity at a time, and often, they aren’t involved in any outside activities.

What does this look like in our home? If we are blessed with a beautiful day, we can take a bike ride or head to the park. We have time to complete homework AND enjoy dinner and play a game as a family. The girls spend time reading, setting up school for their dolls and writing in a journal. They experiment with instruments and making music. Ally has written several songs that Ty has set to music. I can’t begin to tell you how many family game nights the girls have organized and executed, and I am often blown away by the creative (and fun!) games they invent.

Muffins are sometimes even baked for us to enjoy the next morning for breakfast.

Is every day pure bliss? Heck no!

I hear “I’m bored” all the time, and daily arguments ensue between sisters. But that’s okay; it’s the choice we’ve made.You won’t find us rushing around from practice to rehearsal—and that’s just how I like it.

Learn more about the benefits of free time from Olathe mom Melinda Smith, who takes a look at the importance of play in “The Serious Business of Play” on pg. 44.

Enjoy April, KC, and get out and play!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

APRIL 2012

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Marisa Frymire Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Jennifer Duxbury (Belton), Tisha Foley (Belton), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney), Christa Hines (Olathe), Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Julie Hubble (Leawood), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Hallie Sawyer (Overland Park), Melinda Smith (Olathe), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee) Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

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Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication.

However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

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9

Nighty-Night, Electronics: We Need Our Rest!

healthy kids

W Sleep Recommendations: 7- to 12-year-olds: 10-11 hours per day 12- to 18-year-olds: 8-9 hours per day Adults: 7-9 hours per day (WebMD)

GET MORE! Visit KCParent.com for tips on how to set realistic TV guidelines in your home.

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ith both parents and children more dependent than ever on social media for entertainment and overall survival in the world, shutting off the noise and getting some restful sleep can be challenging.

“Sleep difficulties in children are on the rise—and this trend will get worse before it gets better. Estimates for the number of children with abnormal sleep range from 1 in 10 in the general population,” writes Victoria Dunckley, M.D., in her article “Wired & Tired: Electronics and Sleep Disturbance in Children,” published in Mental Wealth.

“Evidence shows video games and other electronics induce the fight-or-flight syndrome, putting the body in a state of stress. Studies show sustained increases in blood pressure and pulse, even hours after playing,” Dunckley says. “It doesn’t have to be a violent game or even a game at all! Internet surfing and texting will similarly put the brain and body in a state of stress, just from the high level of visual and cognitive stimulation.”

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There needs to be a set bedtime routine for your tweens and teens – just like when they were infants! “Tween-dom” is a stressful place, with school pressures, relationships, hormones and expectations, so sleep can be challenging.

Nightly at a set time, have your family deposit all electronics in a basket in your room. This will be the point in the evening where all family members need to turn off the noise and concentrate on relaxing. (GASP!) Are you saying parents should do this as well? Children learn better by example…that’s all I’m saying!

Northeast Kansas mom Karyn says, “For many reasons my boys have to ‘turn in’ their devices at bedtime, and they don’t get them back until the next day after their homework is checked. This rule has set my mind to ease.” She continues, “I know they are sleeping, or at least working on it, when they go to bed. It has also ensured they get right on task with homework when they get home from school.”

Computers, TVs and video games shouldn’t be in children’s rooms. Creating a sleeping place with fewer temptations for midnight “Google-ing” or television watching is imperative. Those are the kinds of interruptions that ensure your child’s never reaching stage 4 of REM sleep—which is the so-critical restorative stage.

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and freelance writer.

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women’s health

I

Got Sleep?

f you’re not sleeping well, you are not alone. More than a million Americans suffer from insomnia, which can be a persistent problem with serious consequences. Insomnia is a contributor to around 100 thousand car accidents per year. It is defined as difficulty with sleep, whether it is a difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early or feeling tired upon waking. It is a sign and symptom that can be associated with several sleep, medical or psychiatric disorders and therefore should be a reason to seek medical attention.

Some causes may be: Emotional or physical discomfort Life stress or illness Medications Depression Anxiety/chronic stress Interference with normal sleep schedule Insomnia varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It may be short term, long term or intermittent. Symptoms of insomnia may be sleepiness during the day, tiredness, irritability and problems with concentration or memory. If you are experiencing mild insomnia, you may want to try adding the following sleep habits to your routine: • Go to bed around the same time, get up the same time and avoid naps.

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol late in the day.

• Get regular exercise.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal late in the day, but a light snack before bed may help.

• Make your room comfortable.

• Follow a routine to help you relax.

• Avoid using your bed for anything but sleep.

• If you can’t fall asleep, get up and read or do something that is not over-stimulating until you feel sleepy.

• If you find yourself worrying, then get up and make a list before you go to bed.

Visit with your health care provider if your symptoms persist beyond the above recommendations or if they seem to be severe. There are many medications and herbal supplements available, but it’s not wise to try them until you have discussed your situation with a professional first to decide what plan is right for you.

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Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mom and nurse practitioner. kcparent.com april 2012

11

germaphobe?

are you a

D

We asked KCParent.com readers,

Do germs freak you out?

40%

40%

No. Too many other things to worry about with my kids.

Kind of.

I do my best to keep my kids germ free but don’t worry about it too much.

12

kcparent.com april 2012

o you avoid indoor playgrounds at local fast food joints? Are you afraid to let your child near a classmate with a runny nose? Is the drinking fountain off limits to you and your family for fear of lingering germs? Are you obsessed with antibacterial products?

We’ve all heard of terms such as arachnophobia (the fear of spiders), claustrophobia (the fear of small places) and acrophobia (the fear of heights). But what about “germaphobia,” more accurately called mysophobia (the fear of germs or dirt)?

Nowadays, people have become more aware of the importance of hand washing to fight germs and avoid getting colds and flu. With the availability of hand sanitizers and antibacterial hand wipes, cleaning our hands and killing germs before meals and while we’re out and about is a breeze. Some, however, do tend to take germ-fighting to extremes; and it’s those people that are the true germaphobes.

Cleaning your hands off and on throughout the day 20% isn’t a bad thing, experts say, but when it becomes something Yes. you cannot stop thinkI never leave ing about, something home withthat causes anxiety, out hand and/or something sanitizer. that is a ritual you’re compelled to act out, that is when you know you’re a germaphobe.

True germaphobes have a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), experts say, and as with all types of OCD, a compulsion is acted out to relieve anxiety produced by an obsessive, intrusive thought.

Germaphobes act on irrational fears.

Kansas City mom Lauri Mink says

she’s not an extreme germaphobe, but she does take precautions.

“I’m not extreme, but I do take necessary precautions and let the kids’ immune systems do the rest,” she says.

“We do a lot of hand washings, especially when we’ve been out of the house.

“I GET A For instance, the TIGHTNESS kids know that IN MY CHEST when they come AND HAVE home from school, the store or park, ANXIETY IF I the first thing we DON’T WASH do is wash our MY HANDS hands. We also use OR DO hand sanitizers—I SOMETHING have one in my purse at all times. I A CERTAIN also explain to my WAY.” children that we shouldn’t kiss friends on the mouths or eat or drink from friends’ utensils or cups.”

Olathe mom Tina Alstatt, on the other hand, admits that she is very much a germaphobe.

“I’m a chronic hand washer and I use disinfectant wipes on door knobs and light switches constantly,” she says. “I get a tightness in my chest and have anxiety if I don’t wash my hands or do something a certain way. When I go to the grocery store, I have to put the meat on the bottom of the cart and then use antibacterial wipes on my hands. I always have the cashier scan the meat last, and it has to go in separate bags. One time when I bought chicken, the guy took the plastic bag off the chicken and rubbed the package so it could scan. I started panicking because I didn’t have exact change and didn’t want to take any change back from him. I try to pay with exact change as much as possible so I don’t have to touch change from the cashier or accidentally touch their hands.”

When it comes to her children, Alstatt says they do go to parks and play areas (if her husband takes them), but cleaning hands afterwards is a must. Mink agrees.

“We definitely go to the park, but we use wipes with sanitizer afterwards,” Mink

says. “I’m not a huge fan of play areas in fast-food restaurants, because we’ve gotten sick nearly every time we’ve gone to one. I don’t believe that they clean them regularly. We do go to bounce houses and other fun indoor places occasionally, and when we’re done, we wash our hands and/or use sanitizer before anything else.”

Should we really worry about taking our children to public parks and play areas? Are they as germy as some of us think? The answer is yes. A public playground is said to be the number one “germiest” place to take your child. But this doesn’t mean you have to avoid parks altogether. Just remember to practice proper hand-washing after playing.

Proper hand washing includes using soap. Regular soap works just as well as antibacterial and actually poses fewer risks. Be sure to rub your hands together vigorously to make a lather and scrub all areas. Continue scrubbing for 20 seconds, because it takes that long to dislodge and remove stubborn germs. A good way to time it is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Then, dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer and use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. (Faucets harbor a lot of hidden germs as well.)

As far as drinking fountains go, studies have shown that they can harbor more germs and bacteria than public toilets. If you or your child do drink from a drinking fountain, experts recommend running the water for 15 seconds before taking a drink to help wash away contamination.

Basically, the best thing you and your child can do to steer clear of germs is to be aware. A great, interactive website for both parents and children to learn more about the dangers of germs and the importance of being clean is the Scrub Club at ScrubClub.org.

Kansas City mom Gina Klein is a writer/photographer who definitely takes precautions when it comes to her family and germs.

CDC GUIDELINES RECOMMEND WASHING:

Before and after you prepare food I Before you eat IAfter you use the bathroom IAfter handling animals or animal waste IAfter coughing or sneezing IWhen your hands are dirty I More frequently if someone in your home is sick.

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kcparent.com april 2012

13

SCARED OF STORMS IN THE LAND OF OZ With tornado sirens blaring, thunder crashing and lightning forking through dark clouds, most anyone might feel a mixture of unease and awe at nature’s dramatic display. Many parents, however, would prefer to skip the whole show, given the emotional havoc storms wreak on their kids.

RECOMMENDED READING

For more information on weather basics, fun experiments, tips for staying safe and strategies to help children conquer fear during severe weather, check out former KCTV-5 chief meteorologist Katie Horner’s book Brainstorming: A Creative Guide to Help Parents & Children Through Severe Weather (Kansas City Star Books, 2008). Horner is the mother of three daughters and has more than 20 years of experience in meteorology. According to Horner’s website, SealApproval.com, “No other book addresses children’s fear of severe weather by combining the science of meteorology with behavioral psychology. This book will help children change their fear of severe weather to fascination.”

ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY DAYS A YEAR DOES THE KANSAS CITY AREA EXPERIENCE A SERIOUS THREAT OF TORNADOES?

A. 20 B. 15 C. 5 *Correct answer: C

14

kcparent.com april 2012

DeTonya Childress, South Kansas City, MO, says her daughter Alexia, 9, becomes frantic during severe weather.

Alexia’s fear manifests as tears and quickly progresses to pleas for an immediate retreat to the basement.

“Tornadoes and thunderstorms are the worst,” Childress says. “When Alexia was 3 years old, she decided to sleep in her own bed during a storm. The first crack of thunder led her back to my bedroom, crying all the way. Now, once in my room, she begins to pray.”

If volatile weather sparks a crushing wave of panic in your child, calm storm preparation, soothing relaxation techniques and a dash of Weather 101 may help ease his fears.

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Begin managing weather-related anxiety with calm, confident preparation.

“The most important thing that parents can do is prepare their children for severe weather way before it happens,” says Dr. Edward Christophersen, pediatric psychologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO. “Parents need to be cognizant that their behavior directly influences their child’s behavior. So, parents should very calmly practice their threatening weather procedures.”

Create a severe weather plan with your family. Designate a safe area in your home, preferably a basement. A bathroom or closet in the middle of the house on the lowest level is the next best option.

In your safe area, store a storm safety kit that includes a battery-powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, a pair of leather gloves and safety whistles.

With storm season imminent, take a few minutes several times a week to conduct family storm drills. Set up a small table in your basement for you and your family to engage in a familiar and relaxing activity, like a board or card game. When threatening weather happens, calmly follow the plan you and your family practiced.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Play weather sounds for your child

while you’re relaxing together, playing a game, eating dinner or while she’s doing homework. Begin with very gentle sounds like a light rain and slowly progress to more serious rain and thunderstorms.

“The rationale here is to get the child to pair or associate weather sounds with frequently occurring activities that are not anxiety provoking,” Christophersen says.

Download free weather sounds to your laptop or smartphone. Apple’s iTunesTM offers a free app for iPhone called “Sleepmaker” that Christophersen recommends.

WEATHER 101

Throughout the year, 41 Action News (KSHB-TV) chief meteorologist Gary Lezak facilitates weather presentations at area schools with his canine partner

TIPS TO PREVENT

WEATHER ANXIETY

Stormy, the weather dog. It’s not unusual for Lezak to encounter children who fear thunderstorms and tornadoes. He finds that explaining the sporadic nature of tornadoes and how storms work can ease some of their worries.

Lezak teaches students to track the movement of a storm. He explains that after lightening flashes, they can count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand” and so on until they hear thunder.

“Every five seconds is one mile, because sound travels much slower than light,” he says.

He encourages the kids to stay inside and play the game during a thunderstorm to see whether the storm is moving closer or farther away.

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WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Children commonly experience specific fears or phobias, but typically phobias wane as kids grow older. If your child’s phobia lasts more than six months and impairs her ability to participate in daily activities, find an experienced anxiety disorder therapist with supervised clinical experience in treating phobia.

Christophersen says a reputable therapist will likely conduct a standardized anxiety screening. Avoid therapists who want to start therapy by giving your child an IQ test.

At Y DAY CAMp, thE poSSibilitiES ArE ENDlESS.

Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.

Enroll now at YMCASummerFun.org or call 913 345 9622

oUr MiSSioN The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being.

A UNITED WAY AGENCY

Having lived in many parts of the world, freelance writer, wife and mother Christa Melnyk Hines finds that Midwest weather is as fickle as a cantankerous toddler.

During a gentle, non-electrical rain, grab an umbrella and head outside with your youngster. Discuss how the rain helps give the grass a drink.

If you have an infant, stand under your garage or porch and put her hand out into the rain to feel the rain drops.

Avoid anxiety-provoking behaviors like nervous pacing or anxious hovering around the weather radio or TV. Seek professional help if you are unable to cope during a storm.

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15

clean your room!

find your backpack

turn off the tv

get your shoes on!

zip your jacket

pick up your toys

time to come inside go take a bath

get kids to listen the

FIRST TIME The goal really is to make our children independently

responsible for their own things and for following directions.

It takes time and parenting…imagine that.

G Tips for getting kids to listen the FIRST time

• Stay calm • Get on eye level • Hold accountable with consequences • Make the directions a game • Get ready the night before to avoid morning arguments • Start slowly in your expectations of listening the first time

16

kcparent.com april 2012

etting your kids to listen the FIRST time is easier said than done.

Whether you are parenting a 2-year-old with a temper tantrum or a sullen teenager, trying to get a child to listen to instructions can be difficult.

Staying calm is crucial. In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to snap and yell, “I’ve already told you five times to pick up your shoes!” Lori Jacobsen, mother of two and a teacher from Kearney, says, “Remain calm. Getting frustrated and angry only makes the situation worse.”

Take a deep breath, walk out of the room for a minute, count to 10 (I do this a lot!) and, once you’ve regained your composure, it will be easier to talk to your kids.

In addition to staying calm, as adults, we must remember that we are much taller than our little ones. They might not be ignoring us on purpose; it may be difficult for them to hear us. “I have tried before to remember that oftentimes situations are much more exciting or new to them and therefore they are less likely to want to pay close attention to me,” Jennifer Richey, mother of two boys from Kansas City, says.

“I try and make sure that I get eye contact before I give them an instruction just to try and make sure that they are paying attention to me and to minimize distractions.”

Kids are never going to listen to you if consequences aren’t involved. If you tell them to clean their room and they never

do, enact some consequences. Don’t just clean the room for them. “I only give directions once, and then the natural consequence ensues,” Jacobsen says. “Clean your room. If it’s not done, privileges are taken away.” Not holding children accountable will teach them they can get away with things.

Sometimes making a game out of the chore or direction is all it takes to motivate a small child to accomplish a task.

“For chores/activities that will only take a minute, such as running upstairs to get her boots before we go outside or picking up toys at a friend’s house before we leave, usually issuing a short challenge to her speed in accomplishing these activities works well,” Milissa Leimkuehler, Liberty mother of two girls, says. “For instance, I will tell her I bet she can’t go upstairs and get her boots on and be back down in under a minute. I start counting, and Kali happily rushes herself upstairs and is back down in no time. I cheerily applaud her quickness in accomplishing these tasks.” This might not work every time but is definitely something handy to have in the bag of parenting tricks.

Mornings can be difficult at any house, as many families can attest. No one wants to start the day yelling at her child to brush his/her teeth. Doing as much as you can the night before can lead to a more pleasant morning. “Kali is not a morning person, and getting her ready for school in the morning can be a challenge. She picks out her clothes the night before,” Leimkuehler says.

For older kids, Jacobsen says, “It has to be something you set up with your kids ahead of time.” You can’t expect your child to listen the first time every time without some direct instruction and help from you so they understand what it is you want.

“You can tell them, ‘I’ve noticed that you aren’t following my directions the first time and that concerns me, so we’re going to start working on that.’ If you’ve been giving directions 5 times before being followed, first cut it down to 4, then 3, then 2, then 1...taking a week or so until that number is mastered before moving further down,” Jacobsen says. This allows the child time to learn the skill of listening and sets them up to succeed over the long haul.

“The goal really is to make our children independently responsible for their own things and for following directions,” Jacobsen says. “It takes time and parenting…imagine that.”

Does your child have a language delay?

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the way children learn grammar depend on how adults talk to them?

BENEFITS

Caregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child and are Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Developmen compensated for costs of each trip to KUMC. Children receive a gift in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay card good for new books.

PURPOSE

BENEFITS

Caregivers receive a summary of WHO QUALIFIES?

To study the effects of adult speech on grammatical development of Children 4 and preschoolers with language delay.

testing for their child, whether or n 5 years old with the child qualifies for the study. developmental delays that appear to WHO QUALIFIES? be specific to language. CAREGIVER Children 4 and 5 years old with RESPONSIBILITIES

developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

Bring your child to KUMC for up

evaluations of you CAREGIVER 4 preliminary child’s communication skills.

Attend 10 study sessions RESPONSIBILITIES at KUMC or at home.

Bring your child to KUMC for up to 5 preliminary of yourDevelopment Effects of Adult Speech evaluations on Grammar child’sContact: communication skills.

Dr. Marc E. Fey Attend 10 & study sessions KUMC or atCenter Hearing Speech Dept. •atKU Medical (913) home.588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu

or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development

Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center (913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey

We’re looking for healthy women who want to help infertile couples. If you’re between 21 and 29 years old and have had at least one child, consider participating in our egg donation program.

Compensation is provided and all donors are anonymous.

For information call: (913) 894-2323

Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer, mother and teacher from Kearney. kcparent.com april 2012

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EATING

HOMEGROWN

FOOD

look! this is succotash..for more places to eat in kc, visit KCParent.com

AT KANSAS CITY’S RESTAURANTS

K

ansas City is fortunate to be home to many local farms where sustainable, organic foods are grown. With 30+ farmers’ markets in the area (see a complete list at KCParent.com), supporting local farms is easy. Did you know that you also can support local growers even when you’re dining out? These local restaurants serve up some of the best food in town… the menus are delicious, nutritious, family-friendly and feature organic or locally grown food (as much as possible), taking the guilt out of eating out!

THE SNACK SHACK ON SANTA FE

8039 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, 913.428.7749 (Mon.-Sat., 11:00-8:00) The family-owned and -operated Snack Shack on Santa Fe is quickly becoming the neighborhood hangout in historic downtown Overland Park. The burgers are made with Bichelmeyer’s locally-raised grass-fed angus beef, delivered fresh to the restaurant daily. The Snack Shack also serves local bread and organic produce. Vegetarians enjoy the garbanzo bean veggie burger or grilled cheese sandwich. Expect a little heat if you order the garden grilled cheese complete with jalapeno peppers.

THE KID FACTOR: The burgers are delicious, but the winners for kids are the crispy sweet potato fries and hand-dipped shakes.

IN THE KNOW: The restaurant features barstool countertop

seating (they do not have high chairs) or picnic tables outside. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, make a point to visit the Overland Park Farmers’ Market (DowntownOP.org).

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kcparent.com april 2012

FRESHER THAN FRESH SNOWCONES

THE COFFEE GIRLS IN WALDO

THE KID FACTOR: Kids love snow cones, and moms love healthy treats… truly this is a win-win for everyone! For real fun, order the Daredevil Special, an ever-changing concoction that will keep you guessing, billed as “always adventurous, never gross.”

THE KID FACTOR: The “Little Peeps” menu offers organic PB&J, the Plain Jane (turkey and cheddar sandwich) or smoothies, all for under $4.

IN THE KNOW: Fresher than Fresh is known to frequent local

free wi-fi.

Visit FTFSnowCones.com for a location schedule.

Fresher than Fresh is Kansas City’s all natural snow cone stand on wheels! The delicious and unforgettable flavors will tempt your taste buds. Watermelon basil, lemon prickly pear, espresso and Mexican cane sugar, and pineapple and Serrano pepper are just the beginning of the exotic offerings.

farmers’ markets, First Fridays in the Crossroads, and other midtown and downtown family-friendly venues.

SUCCOTASH

2601 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, 816.421.2807 (Sun.-Sat., 8:00-3:00) Succotash dishes up large portions of home-style cooking supporting local farmers and vendors at this urban eatery.

Known for brunch, their menu offers a range of comfort foods you’ll love, but they also make outstanding cakes for any occasion!

THE KID FACTOR: Our top kid pick? The Cake and a Smile, a large buttermilk pancake with two sunny-side-up “eyes” and a bacon “smile,” is the ultimate fave for kids of all ages!

IN THE KNOW: We recommend Succotash for brunch before you head to Crown Center or Union Station on a Saturday—and grab a fresh juice to go.

7440 Washington St., Kansas City, MO, 816.221.2326 (Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 7:30-7:00) Don’t let the name fool you. The Coffee Girls is more than a neighborhood coffee shop. Serving organic sandwiches, wraps, granola, smoothies and comfort food, the casual atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating, makes for a great brunch or lunch spot.

IN THE KNOW: One of the perks at The Coffee Girls is the

YOU SAY TOMATO

2801 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, 816.756.5097 (Mon.-Sat., 7:00-3:00; Sun., 8:00-2:00) You Say Tomato lives up to its motto of “homegrown goodness served daily.” The eclectic neighborhood restaurant offers a seasonal menu supporting the local and organic farmer. Part of the fun of eating at YST is the ever-changing menu, off which they serve fresh, seasonal produce. Even the décor focuses on “repurposing,” as all the chairs and tables are mismatched sets undoubtedly purchased at local thrift shops and garage sales.

THE KID FACTOR: For breakfast, you must try the rightfully

famous baked French toast, and lunch is known for some of the best chicken potpie in town.

IN THE KNOW: YST, not far from Crown Center, offers a small market in the restaurant where you can purchase organic produce and other kitchen goodies. kcparent.com april 2012

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yum...FÜD is all vegetarian, too!

EDEN ALLEY

707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.5415 (Mon.-Tue., 11:00-2:30; Wed.Sat., 11:00-9:00) Eden Alley, the Plaza’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free restaurant dishes up delicious salads, soups, burritos, sandwiches and cakes with organic, local ingredients.

The restaurant is one of Kansas City’s first vegetarian eateries with a loyal local following.

HOMEGROWN,

cont. from pg. 19

THE KID FACTOR: Eden Alley offers kids’ meals for $4.35 served with peppermint lemonade or Shatto milk and a variety of main dish choices, including tacos, burritos, sandwiches and

quesadillas.

FÜD

813 W. 17th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.785.3454 (Tue. & Wed., 11:00-3:00; Thu.-Sat., 11:00-9:00) FÜD (pronounced food) is a restaurant in the Westside focusing on organic, local, all-vegan food. Featuring a selection of both raw and cooked dishes, the made-from-scratch offerings are healthy and delicious.

Visit KCParent.com to find out local restaurants where kids can make their own food. Also, find a complete Kids Eat Free Guide with maps, reviews and more.

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kcparent.com april 2012

THE KID FACTOR: Guilt-free homemade cheesy mac is an absolute fave for kids, but other delicious choices include the eggywich (a tofu sandwich made to taste like an egg sandwich), quesadillas and a variety of sandwiches and salads.

IN THE KNOW: FÜD is a cash-only

restaurant and the popular bistro is not currently accepting reservations, but the food at FÜD (pardon the pun) is worth the wait! For those with food allergies, the chefs happily volunteer to adjust any recipe.

IN THE KNOW: Eden Alley is tucked away in the basement of the Unity Temple on the Plaza, giving it that church basement atmosphere because, well, it is.

BLUE BIRD BISTRO

1700 Summit St., Kansas City, MO, 816.221.7559 (Mon.-Sat., 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00-2:00) In the Westside, perfect for dining before or after a performance at the Kauffman Center, you’ll find a quaint converted space turned restaurant serving up wholesome and hearty dishes with organic, sustainable and local ingredients.

The Blue Bird Bistro is a true treat for the senses. Local chefs prepare seasonal dishes and comfort at this upscale restaurant where the food is identified by the farm where it was grown.

THE KID FACTOR: The Blue Bird is one of the most expen-

sive restaurants on our list, but the food is delicious. This is a great way to introduce kids to gourmet foods prepared with healthy ingredients in a fun space.

IN THE KNOW: The bistro is a sit-down upscale restaurant,

so it’s not a place to eat in a hurry. Plan ahead and make reservations in advance if you’re attending a show downtown.

Kristina Light loves to support local businesses and thinks it’s even better when local=delish!

what’s new

keep allergies at bay this spring

The Amazing Mat helps prevent bothersome allergens from being tracked into your house and makes your spring cleaning easier. It contains an anti-bacterial adhesive that traps 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria from your shoes. Place it at the front door to reduce pollen, grass, pet dander and mold for allergy sufferers. Once it’s done capturing mud, dirt, fungus and even feces, simply peel away the recyclable sheet to reveal 29 more underneath. TheAmazingMat.com

when

keep your

get growing, kc!

Veggie and Herb SeedBallz allow you to grow more food in less space! PERFECT for people with large yards or none at all! These grow great in the yard or in pots on your patio, balcony or deck!

SeedBallz are made of fertilizer and clay and are loaded with a variety of seeds. Grow flowers, herbs and vegetables from SeedBallz. Each package of Seedballz contains 8 balls that cover 8 to 10 square feet. GardenBasket.com

LEAWOOD PEDIATRICS • Conveniently located office • Front door parking • Electronic medical records • Extended evening and Saturday hours Now E-Prescribing Schedule summer physicals now

wikki stix easter egg decorating kit

From dyeing the eggs to filling the basket, Wikki Stix have you covered! Get the great “Easter Egg Decorating Kit” with 72 Wikkies in all different colors, perfect for decorating boiled and plastic eggs!! For the baskets, all you need is the “Easter Fun Favors.” The kit has individually-wrapped Wikkies with a playsheet. Stick them in the baskets or have an Easter Wikki hunt! WikkiStix.com

Mary Hamm, MD Megan Loeb, MD Mary Nagy, MD Aundria Speropoulos, MD

5401 College Boulevard, Suite 101 Leawood, Kansas 66211 (College & Nall) (913) 825-DOCS (3627) www.leawoodpediatrics.com kcparent.com april 2012

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g

EASY STEPS TO The easiest place to start is at home.

Why Plastic Is Passé Did you know...

According to the Marine Conservation Society of the UK, it takes 450-1,000 years for plastic bags to break down?

Plastic bags photo-degrade, which means they break up into smaller pieces, eventually becoming plastic dust.

These small plastic pieces get ingested by animals from the sea to the desert. If they aren’t killed by ingesting it, then at the very least we have a polluted food chain.

It takes about 430 thousand gallons of oil to produce 100 million non-degradable plastic bags.

What can you do? Bring them back to your local grocery store as they are stepping up their recycling efforts by having plastic bag recycling bins by their front doors. Also, when you bring your own reusable bags, some stores will discount your groceries.

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kcparent.com april 2012

A

green

ccording to the Global Footprint Network’s 2010 Living Planet Report, humanity is using the resources that nature provides 50 percent faster than the earth can renew them.

“Even with modest UN projections for population growth, consumption and climate change, by 2030 humanity will need the capacity of two Earths to absorb carbon dioxide waste and keep up with natural resource consumption,” it says. That’s a sobering statistic. Because finding another Earth in the universe any time soon seems unlikely, we humans have some work to do.

The easiest place to start is at home. If you are feeling regret at watching your garbage pile up while your recycle bin sits idly by, check out these easy ways to put your kitchen to work for the environment. Don’t throw out your eggshells and old coffee grounds after breakfast. Eggshells are 93 percent calcium carbonate, which is a vital plant nutrient and a key part of cell manufacture and growth. Coffee grounds are great for those plants that need “acid food,” such as blueberries, evergreens, azaleas and roses.

MAKE YOUR OWN FERTILIZER

Rinse out the egg shells and empty your coffee grounds into a plastic cup and set out to dry. (To speed up the process, place these items on a cookie sheet in the oven with just the pilot light on.) Once dry, crush up the dried egg shells and mix with the coffee grounds in an under-the-counter compost bin. If you use a Keurig coffee machine, try using their reusable containers that you can find in most local grocery stores. These allow you to use whatever coffee grounds you would like with no plastic waste afterwards. If you like the convenience of the disposable cups,

T:3.75”

throw away the metal layer on top of the cup and rinse out the cup after emptying (and saving!) your coffee grounds.

COMPOST YOUR SCRAPS

When cutting up your veggies for dinner, save your broccoli stalks, carrot peelings and any other inedible bits and pieces and put them in a compost bin.You can keep a small one under the sink then, when that gets full, transfer it to a larger compost bin outside.You’ll be amazed at how much less garbage you will have. Other great items for the compost bin are fruit scraps, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds with filters and shredded paper.

BE A SMART SHOPPER

There are also some preventative measures you can take to reduce garbage. If you find yourself throwing out spoiled or expired food week after week, try planning ahead. Start scheduling meals and buying exactly what you need for the next few days. Vow to use fresh whole foods and less packaged food that can sit on the shelf for eons.You will have less package waste and spend less, while likely shaving off a few pounds in the process.

FIND WAYS TO REUSE YOUR PLASTIC

T:9.75”

Save your plastic bottles for spring seed planting. Cut 2-liter plastic soda bottles and gallon milk jugs in half and let your kids decorate their “pots” as a fun craft. Then layer the bottom of the bottle with pebbles for drainage, add a little Spanish moss to give the roots some room, then top with a layer of soil. Plant your favorite herbs or flowers and voila!

Plastic egg cartons are good for this too.

Hallie Sawyer, a freelance writing mom in Overland Park, is “affectionately” referred to as the “Recycling Czar” by her family. Plastic bags fear her.

Find a complete list of all the famers’ markets in the Kansas City area at KCParent.com.

FARMERS’ MARKET FUN

Let’s Go to the Farmers’ Market contains everything kids need to have tons of fun at the farmers’ market. A darling “strawberry” sits at the center of it all and transforms into a colorful reusable bag, perfect for toting home veggies, fruits, flowers and more! Twenty activity cards will keep little ones occupied and amused as their parents shop, while an informative booklet shares the 411 on farms, farmers and the farmers’ market itself. That’s not all: a shopping list pad provides children a place to record the good-for-you goodies they’ll be inspired to scout out among the stands. Amazon.com

COLUMBIA PICTURES AND SONY PICTURES ANIMATION PRESENT AN AARDMAN PRODUCTION “THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS” HUGH GRANT DAVID TENNANT IMELDA STAUNTON COMUSIC MARTIN FREEMAN JEREMY PIVEN BASEDDIRECTORUPONJEFFTHE BOOKNEWITT BY THEODORE SHAPIRO EXECUTIVE SCREENPLAY PRODUCER CARLA SHELLEY “THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS” BY GIDEON DEFOE

BY GIDEON DEFOE PRODUCED DIRECTED

BY PETER LORD DAVID SPROXTON JULIE LOCKHART

BY PETER LORD

kcparent.com april 2012

23

RECYCLED FUN Great crafts kids can make using everyday household items.

1

2

3 4 5 We’ve given families around the Kansas City Metro an Earth Day assignment: take everyday household items and recycle them into creative projects for kids.

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kcparent.com april 2012

I

t seems no accident that spring cleaning and Earth Day coincide. As the world outside awakens, our indoor habitats beg to be refreshed and renewed. Like the birds that warble again from the window ledge, we nest. They gather bits of fallen twigs and dry grass; we gather half-empty bottles long past their expiry dates, chunks of cracked bar soaps, an assortment of random junk culled from the home office. As we come uncluttered, inspiration dawns, and to the delight of our ingenious children (who mistake the meticulously organized cleaning piles for islands of misfit toys), old things destined for the trash bin take on new life.

In honor of this springtime ritual, we’ve given families around the Kansas City Metro an Earth Day assignment: Take everyday household items and recycle them into creative projects for kids.

1

2-Liter Terrarium

My son, Trey, and I love making science projects at home. To learn about plants, we brought nature indoors with a homemade terrarium from a recycled plastic soda bottle. First, we cut the bottle into two pieces with scissors about a quarter of the way up from the bottom. We filled the bottom piece with dirt, watered it, and planted forget-me-not seeds. To plant, we made holes in the dirt with the end of the spoon, dropped two seeds into each hole and patted the dirt on top. Trey caught on fast and had fun planting. We put the top piece of the bottle over the bottom piece, positioned it next to a window to soak in the sun, and are now anxiously awaiting our first sprouts!

[April Tebbe, Gardner]

2

Box Fort

I saved cardboard boxes to use for a fun, recycled “fort” for my kids to build and play with. We used four large, sturdy boxes for the base and built the fort up from there. First, we taped all the boxes together. Then we cut doors, windows and secret passageways for their action figures to play in. We glued colored construction paper to the front and then decorated with markers and stickers. To make it last longer, I covered the entire fort in clear packing tape. The kids love hiding a special toy in a room and having us hunt for it. It’s a great way for them to use their imaginations when they’re playing and was a fun project to work on together! [Leah Heinauer, Overland Park]

Did you know?

A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60 days.

3

Do-It-Yourself Bath Soaps

We are all about the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto in our house.

It frustrated me to either keep track of the small slivers of soap left over in the soap dish or throw them away, wasting what was left. My husband also travels quite a bit and often comes home with hotel soaps that we never use. After searching online, I found several recipes for making our own soap using leftover bar soap or those little hotel soaps. So, I gathered ingredients, and the kids and I got to work.

Now we have fun colored soaps to use and there are no more random soap slivers all over my sink! [Katrina Kanary, Olathe]

4

Pop Princess Tiara

To create a simple crown to adorn my daughter’s head, we drew a design in dry-erase marker on a 2 ½-liter soda bottle. Next, we traced our design in t-shirt paint, let it dry for an hour and cut it out.

It was a simple project, and my daughter loves the new accessory for her dress-up clothes. I envision a rainbow assortment of coordinating tiaras in our near future!

5

Bagel Holder

Here’s what we did: 1. With a cheese grater, break up larger pieces into small slivers.

2. Put soap slivers into a microwave safe bowl.

3. Add a handful of oatmeal (for exfoliating) to the slivers.

4. Sprinkle with enough water to dampen the mixture and make it clumpy.

5. Microwave in 1-minute increments until the mixture bubbles up.

6. Stir to combine, then divide and add several drops of food coloring.

7. Lightly grease a muffin tin.

8. Press the mixture into the muffin tin and allow it to cool, then pop out the soaps to dry overnight on a plate.

To keep plain bagels fresh, or to transport bagel sandwiches without the mess of smeared cream cheese and migrating lunch meat, our family uses a recycled plastic CD spindle and twist-on top that comes with CDs purchased in bulk. Our bagel lunch box is just the right size and comes in very handy at our favorite bagel restaurant.

[Wendy Connelly, Overland Park]

With a basement storage area worthy of the hit show “Hoarding: Buried Alive,” and two pint-sized crafters of infinite resourcefulness residing in her Overland Park home, writer Wendy Connelly has become an expert at the MacGyver-style art form of recycled crafts.

Americans use 85,000,000 tons of paper a year; about 680 pounds per person.

Americans throw away 25,000,000,000 Styrofoam coffee cups every year.

Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours -- or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gas.

More aluminum goes into beverage cans than any other product.

Source: RecyclingRevolution.org kcparent.com april 2012

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kcparent.com april 2012

Instead of paper cups (which always get spilled anyway), get bottled drinks with sports tops on and put each child’s name on a sticker on each one. No confusion - less waste.

Trina Carpenter, Kansas City Get a phone number on where you can reach parents as the kids are coming in. This way if there is an accident or you need to send one of them home you have a correct number.

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kcparent.com april 2012

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media mix

Do It Yourself

The DIY movement is in full swing. Whether through blogs, Pinterest, estate sale-ing or just reusing items in your own home, repurposing is the new NEW! Crafty Chloe by Kelley DiPucchio, illus. by Heather Ross (Atheneum). Chloe is a young DIYer, finding comfort in creative projects over sports and dancing and video games. When snooty London takes the perfect birthday gift for Chloe’s best friend, our spunky heroine retorts that she will make her present instead. But with time running out, will Chloe be finished in time? A corresponding website provides crafting ideas and instructions. (4 – 8) Tyler Makes Pancakes by Tyler Florence, illus. by Craig Frazier (Harper Collins). Little Tyler is determined to make pancakes.

His first stop is the market, where the kind and patient grocer Mr. Jones teaches him that chickens provide the eggs, cows make buttermilk and the wheat grows in flat places like Kansas. Without the word “organic” appearing once, the cooking-from-scratch message shines on the page through Frazier’s brilliant illustrations. Let the kids make breakfast! (4 – 8) Secrets of the Garden by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, illus. by Priscilla Lamont (Knopf). The backyard garden takes center stage in this dual story and science book. Alice’s family plants a garden, and she watches as the first sprouts appear. As the seasons go by, the family learns about all creatures who eat from the garden— some good, others not. Two slapstick chickens provide sidebars throughout the book, covering topics like photosynthesis and composting. (4 – 9) Remodelaholic.com. Justin and Cassity, a young couple with two little girls, are totally committed to repurposing. Remodel an entire house for $5,000? Check. With three houses redone, they have a blogging record of each one. Their website is easy to read with project titles and pictures. One click provides further information. There is not the long-winded article that scrolls and scrolls before you get to the next topic. From food to furniture, the wide variety of reuse topics astounds. Give it a try.

Julie Hubble admires a few amazing DIYers in Leawood.

Don’t miss out:

Brush of Truth (Story Bayou) If we’re talking about recycling, one book with 20 different endings seems to fit. This new app for the Android market is by Story Bayou.

In Brush of Truth, “you and your sister find a crudelycrafted paintbrush on a beach and discover it has magical powers.

You soon learn it is the long-lost Brush of Truth, created by a medieval sorcerer to hand off his enchantments to his children.”

With focus firmly on the reader, choice buttons are selected from within the chapters that direct the storyline to different endings. Hours of exploration possible. (8 – 14)

“The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future”

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ENROLLING NOW!

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kcparent.com april 2012

did you know?

New Sweet Store Coming to KC

Chip’s Candy Factory, a sister store to Chip’s Chocolate Factory, is scheduled to open April 15 at Crown Center. The new candy shop will be located on the first floor of the Crown Center Shops, near the Coterie Theatre and the Crown Center Showplace, which is home to children’s exhibits such as the current “Animal Tales & Trails.” Chip’s Candy will offer more than 400 candy selections, a complete line of Jelly Belly and M&M candies, nostalgic and retro selections and much more.

CrownCenter.com

Turn Off the TV!

Screen-Free Week is approaching! The national annual celebration encourages families to power off the screens for entertainment and instead play, read, create, daydream, exercise, explore nature and enjoy time with family and friends. “Screen-Free Week is actually more than just turning screens off; it can be a springboard for engaging in other activities that you might never have realized your child or family enjoys,” says Myrna Minnis, local ceramic artist and children’s art educator. For a listing of Kansas City organizations offering Screen-Free activities, visit ScreenFreeKC.com.

ADHD Summer Camp for KC Kids

Are you looking for something more than medication to help improve an ADHD child’s behavior? The Children’s Mercy Summer Treatment Program (STP) offers an award-winning comprehensive treatment program for children’s behavioral, emotional and learning problems. Designed for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related problems, this program incorporates a set of evidence-based treatments into an eight-week therapeutic summer day camp. Camp runs from June 4 through July 27 at the Kansas City Christian School -Oxford Park Campus, in Overland Park. 913.696.5748.

The NEW KC Going Places Online Guide has over 500+ great destinations -- view Google Maps, photos, video and reviews at KCParent.com/Going-Places.

kcparent.com april 2012

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Special Advertising Section

Both camps are at Heartland Center. See display ad on pg. 34. Call 816.363.2600 or visit www.KansasCityHospice.org.

Camp Shakespeare Camp Shakespeare is a unique summer arts experience that your kids will never forget!

Student’s will improve their understanding of literature and renaissance times while creating their own version of a Shakespearean classic.

Drama, visual art, dance, and stage combat all come together in this delightful camp, taught by professional actors in a neighborhood near you! Available for ages 5 -18. Camp dates vary per location. One, two and three week camps available, June 7 – July 30. Costs between $125 - $415. Locations: Brookside, Overland Park, KC North, Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Kansas City, Kansas, Independence. See display ad on pg.

39. www.KCShakes.org.

Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

Accelerated Schools At Accelerated Schools of Overland Park, we work with students who don’t fit “in the box.”

Join us this summer for High School credit courses, as well as Summer Camp for students in grades 1 -8. Individualized tutoring is also available. We offer a flexible schedule and low student/teacher ratio. 913-341-6666. See display ad on pg. 38. www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org

Animal Camp Cub Creek Science Camp No other summer program offers as many face to face, hands-on encounters with exotic animals. Imagine spending a week feeding monkeys, walking llamas, grooming miniature horses, petting ferrets and chinchillas, play-

ing with puppies and parrots. Our campers don’t “rough it” unless they want to. Choose from over 100 activities, sleep comfortably in spacious, air-conditioned cabins, enjoy an outstanding selection of delicious meals, and learn from some of the best staff anywhere. Ask for free brochure 573.458.2125. See display ad on pg. 37. www.MyAnimalCamp.com

Camp Erin Camp Erin is a free, weekend, overnight camp, June 8-10, with grief education and emotional support in a fun, high-energy environment for kids, ages 6-17, who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp Carousel is a free, weekend retreat, Sept. 21-23, combining fun, recreational activities and creative opportunities to foster sharing and healing for grieving families with school-aged children and teens.

Camp Special Beginnings Make wonderful memories with great friends and caring teachers at Camp Special Beginnings! Your child will have a SUPER FUN summer being a part of a high-quality program in a positive, Christian environment. Enjoy fieldtrips including Science City, Power Play, and KC Zoo, as well as participate in top notch educational activities including Spanish and Book Club.

Camps available to 1st-6th graders for both FT and PT. 913.492.4659. See display ad on pg. 38 for free registration (new families only). www.SpecialBeginningsOnline.com

Ceramic Cafe Ceramic Cafe’s summer program provides instruction in a variety of ceramic art techniques including hand building with clay, ceramic painting and glazing techniques and also glass fusing. The theme is “My Creative Self” and projects encourage individual creative expression. Camp sessions are divided by age groups. continued on pg. 33

IBSEN DANCE THEATRE SCHOOL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER CAMPS

ANNIE (JUNE 4-15; AGES 8-11) WACKADOO ZOO (JUNE 4-15; AGES 5-7) BYE BYE BIRDIE (JULY 9-20; AGES 12-16) FAIRYTALE PRINCESS BALLET DANCE CAMP (JUNE 11-13; AGES 3-5) & (JUNE 25-27; AGES 6-8) HIP HOP POM PON DANCE CAMP (JULY 9-11; AGES 3-8) THE SUMMER DANCE PROJECT (AGES 12-18) & THE DANCE EXCEL WORKSHOP (JULY 18-22; AGES 9-11)

816.436.7277

816.436.8885

7221 NORTH OAK TRFWY 9550 N. MAGEE GLADSTONE, MO 64118 KANSAS CITY, MO 64155

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kcparent.com april 2012

Summer Program June 4 to August 3 (No camps week of July 2)

A great place to create!

Pottery painting Glass fusing Birthday parties “Family Day” every Sunday Special pricing for families

Now enrolling “My Creative Self” Summer Camp Ages 5 to 7 8 and up

9425 Mission Rd • 913-383-0222 www.ceramiccafekc.com

Ages 3 to 13 For Information:

816-931-8614 www.speds.org

4041 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64111

elevating Education.

One Student at a Time.

Summer programs for ages 3 to 13!

Give your child the gift of dance this summer!

Our classes and workshops help your child learn poise, balance, rhythm, and how to take instruction and work well with others… all under the guidance of our professional, year-round dance faculty.

Programs Include: • • •

Creative Movement (ages 3-5) Fairy Tale Dance Workshops featuring Cinderella, Peter Pan, Superheroes and more (ages 5-8) Mini Ballet Intensive 2-4 Week Camps (ages 10-13)

Two Convenient Locations!

Union Station

Pershing

Johnson County 5359 W. 94th Terr.

Prairie Village, KS (95th & Nall)

W. 95th St.

W. 97th St.

Nall Ave.

5 I-3

Broadway

Photographer Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

94th Terr.

Downtown Bolender Center 500 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO

Enroll TODAY to secure your child’s spot!

Classes start June 4!

Call 816-931-2299 or visit www.kcballet.org/school for a complete list of summer courses.

kcparent.com april 2012

31

camp guide

F

DAY CAMP

or 150 years, camp has been the natural extension of traditional education — an expanded learning environment that provides enrichment and a hands-on experiential education like no other. Experts agree that camp is essential to a child’s development — teaching life lessons such as leadership, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving.

The most successful camp experiences occur when families and children work together to find a camp that best matches everyone’s needs. What about families who feel a sleep-away camp is not the right fit, but still want their child to experience all that camp has to offer? The answer may be right around the corner at a day camp. The American Camp Association® (ACA) reminds families that the benefits of day camp are extensive:

CLOSE TO HOME

Perhaps a child is too young for resident camp, or perhaps scheduling does not allow for extended time away from home.

Regardless of the reason, day camp is an excellent alternative.

SO MUCH TO DO

THE CAMP AROUND THE CORNER

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kcparent.com april 2012

Day camps offer a wide range of programming and activities, from sports to arts to science and education. Like resident camps, day camps offer team-building activities, leadership training, and wilderness programs.

KEEP THOSE NEURONS PUMPING

Research indicates that participation in intentional programs, like camp, helps reduce learning loss during summer months. Camp is the ultimate classroom, using experiences to teach problemsolving and skilldevelopment.

BUDGETFRIENDLY OPTIONS

In certain circumstances, day care expenses, including transportation by a care provider, may be considered dependent care services and paid with a dependent care flexible spending account or pre-tax dollars.

In addition, day camps may qualify for special tax incentives like child and dependent care tax credits.

GET THOSE BODIES MOVING

Camp provides children the opportunity to try new things and participate in human-powered activities. According to surveys by both the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an American child is six times more likely to play a videogame on any given day than to ride a bike. According to research conducted by ACA, 63 percent of children

who learn new activities at camp tend to continue engaging in these activities after they return home. This leads to continued physical exercise that lasts a lifetime.

Day camp is life-changing, providing growth and development through teachable moments, experiences, friendships, and most importantly, fun.

For more information, visit ACA’s family resource page online at CampParents.com.

Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information

Creative Kids is for ages 5-7, Aspiring Artists is for ages 8 and up. One day Workshops are also offered through out the summer. Visit our website at www.CeramicCafeKC.com for add’l info and registration form. See display ad on pg. 30.

FULL & 1/2-DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 4-18!

Ceramics and Coffee House at Paint, Glaze & Fire Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Ceramics & Coffee House at Paint, Glaze & Fire is offering summer camp for its 14th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps. Check it out online and get more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. All supplies and a daily snack are included.

Sibling and early registration discounts are available. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website.

See display ad on pg. 38. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Christian Youth Theatre Join Christian Youth Theater for summer fun! Camps include: “Winnie the Pooh” (ages 4-5), “Jungle Out There” and “So You Want to be a Pop Star” (ages 5-12), “Xtreme Theater: Harry Potter” (ages 10 - 14), “Camp Willy” (Shakespeare) (ages 12-18), middle school camp “Selections from Shrek” (grades 6 - 8) and our high school overnight master camp “Guys and Dolls” including two full production performances. Camps offered June July at locations throughout the KC area. Call 913.681.3318 for more information or visit us online at www.CYTKC.org. See display ad on pg. 33.

R E MM 12

0 2 U S S MP CA

CLO Midnight Farms Camps CLO Midnight Farm hosts great summer camps on scenic 40 acres. Two camps are offered for children with autism and other special needs. Kids ages 6-18 enjoy games, crafts, water play, pony parade, wagon rides PLUS fee includes 2-day training for parents about autism. Call 785.218.9358.

Horsemanship camps, Horsin’ Around Camp is for children with or without special needs, ages 8-16, to enjoy horseback riding, crafts, games and Horse Show on the last day so campers can strut their stuff! Call 785.979.1889. See display ad on pg. 39. www.Midnight-Farm.org

The Coterie School for Theatre Exploration The Coterie School for Theatre Exploration offers camps for kids entering grades K -12 at six sites: South Kansas City (Notre Dame de Sion), Liberty (Liberty CC), Lee’s Summit (MCC Longview), Overland Park (MillerMarley), The Plaza (Pembroke Hill), and Parkville (Park University).

Half-day camps include creative drama, acting and audition skills. Special offerings: “Scenes from The Hunger Games” and Comedy on Your Feet.

Performance camps: Air Guitar High, How to Eat Fried Worms, Bugsby Malone, Jr. Visit www.CoterieTheatre.org. See display ad on pg. 38.

It’s A

JUNGLE OUT THERE

Winnie Pooh the

The Culture House Spend your summer at The Culture House! A whole new selection of summer programs includes dance, theater, music and art. 2-Week Musical Intensives, Godspell and Jungle Book, Stuntman Stage and Film Combat Camp, Enchanted Princess Ballet, Animation Nation, Creative Kingdom Art Camp, Annie Musical Revue, Broadway Starz, Beat Bounce Hip Hop Workshop & END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION: The Ridiculously Entertaining Talent Spectacular! Openings limited, call today. (14808 W 117th St, Olathe) 913.393.3141. See display ad on pg. 7. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com.

elections From

hrek

Camp

Willy

GET DETAILS & SIGN UP TODAY AT CYTKC.ORG

Discovery Farm Training Center This is no ordinary camp. Daily sessions include wood shop, welding, auto care, electronics and more. Participants work on individual projects throughout the week as well as preparing meals, doing daily chores and for the first time this summer, care of dairy animals. Biblical principles are shared throughout the day and during activity times. Our volunteers are experienced in their field and have a desire to teach boys and girls some of the nearly forgotten skills with Christian character. 660.438.6522. See display ad on pg. 38. www.DiscoveryFarm.org

KANSAS CITY kcparent.com april 2012

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Visit KCParent.com for the NEW Geo-based Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos, videos and more — your complete one-stop shop for camps!

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Ibsen Dance Theatre

Experience the enchanting world of A Fairytale Ballet this summer! Exclusively for ages 2-8, camps combine cherished childhood literature, with dance, music, props and beautiful costumes each week. Children will create a takehome prop in our prop workshop. Watch your little ballerina blossom when she becomes Cinderella and other favorite princesses this summer! Camps and classes are offered Mon.Sat. in the morning and afternoon, June-Aug. 913.671.7944. See display ad on pg. 37. www.AFairytaleBallet.com

Musical Theatre Camps for Kids is an intense two-week experience in the performing arts.

Children study and work directly under the guidance of instructors with degrees in theatre and education. Campers attend classes in make-up, acting, mime, improvisation, stage movement, oral interpretation, dance and creative dramatics. Two camps offered for ages 8-15 and each session closes with a performance. Ibsen Dance Theatre also offers a full range of dance classes for ages 3 to adult.

816.436.7277. See display ad on pg. 30. www.IbsenDance.com

i9 Sports Camp

Inside

FREE

A Fairytale Ballet

i9 Sports is best known for making smiles, but we also produce pats on the back, cheers, and good sportsmanship. While we offer flag football, t-ball, basketball, soccer leagues and cheerleading for kids ages 2 to 14, we provide an incomparable experience that goes far beyond the game. Parents can expect convenience and unsurpassed organization and communication. Join us for an all sports summer camp June 11-15. For details visit us online at www.i9Sports.com or call 913.904.0810. See display ad on pg. 39.

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Check out out our newest Check our magazine, KC Going newest magazine, Places.

It showcases KC Going Places. the best in family fun It showcases the best in all around KC, plus it family fun all around KC, features a digital plus access it online and edition! Go to view Google Maps, photos, KCParent.com and video and reviews at click on KC Going KCParent.com/Going-Places.

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kcparent.com april 2012

September 21-23, 2012 Free weekend camps for grieving children & their families Presented by Solace House, a program of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care

kansascityhospice.org 816.363.2600

Johnson County Park & Recreation District From Just for Fun to Outdoor Discovery, JCPRD offers kids of all ages and interests over 40 professionally programmed and supervised camps and clinics to choose from. Conveniently located throughout Johnson County, the choices include recreation, sports, arts and crafts, science, nature and environment, music, theater, dance, leadership development, community service and special needs. For details call visit www.JCPRD.com or call 913.831.3359. See display ad on pg. 35.

Kansas City Art Institute Walt Disney studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute and your child can too! We offer a look at Art Around the World, Fantastic Fashions, Claymation Movies and more. Youth and highschoolers ages 6-18 can explore art and design at one of the nation’s top schools of art and design located right in their own backyard.

Supervised noon time and an extended hour available. We offer a main and a north campus.

For more information call 816.802.3333 or go to www.KCAI.edu/artforeveryone. See display ad on pg. 37.

KC Young Audiences The KCYA Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers children performing and visual arts classes, camps and private instruction on the campus of St. Teresa’s Academy. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 39. www.KCYA.org.

Kansas City Ballet School Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week Creative Movement classes (ages 3-5) to special one-day Fairytale Dance Workshops featuring Peter Pan, Cinderella, Superheroes and more (ages 5-8) to 2- to 4-week Mini Ballet Intensive Camps (ages 10-13). Your child will enjoy excellent training and superior attention while having fun. Classes begin June 4th. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot.

Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County 816.931.2299. See display ad on pg.

31. www.KCBallet.org

KinderCare KinderCare offers school break camps that focus on education and include plenty of fun.

Our camps are THE place to be when school is out. At KinderCare, it’s our passion that makes us different. A passion for teaching and caring for children that leads us to develop the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually – equally. Visit us at www.KinderCare.com or contact us at 1.877.KinderCare to learn more. See display ad on pg. 9.

Martin City, Jr.’s Komedy Kidstitute Learn how to tell the funniest jokes, do a classic spit take, and throw a cream pie! Taught

by Martin City Melodrama professionals, the Camps are for students entering grades K – 12.

Komedy For Kids I culminates in an original show performed by the student actors for their families and friends. Komedy For Kids II gives students the opportunity to create a 2nd show performed as Act Two. Both camps are held at the Melodrama, 9601 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS. For more information, call 913.642.7576. See display ad on pg. 49.

Missouri Military Academy The New ERA Summer School - Enrichment &

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Summit

Christian Academy presents

    

   

 



Camp Eagle Summit May 21 - August 10

For students entering 1st-6th grade in the fall of 2012.

Hands-on academic and Christian-based camp that includes arts, crafts, music, sports, and weekly field trips.

Attendees will have the chance to audition and take part in the musical Camp hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Before- and after-care are available at no extra charge from 7-9 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.

Located at 1450 SW Jefferson in Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.1480

For enrollment process, pricing, and application, see summit-christian-academy.org. kcparent.com april 2012

35

2012 Wildwood Summer Programs Summer Adventure

Discover KCParent.com Geo-Based Guides Where your search starts and ends Click into Kansas City’s most comprehensive lists of businesses and services that matter most to moms and dads.

Two 5-day residential camp programs offer boys and girls ages 8-14 an opportunity to enjoy outdoor fun, learning and adventure. $340 Two Sessions: June 11-15 & July 23-27

WOW (Women of Wildwood) A 5-day residential camp program offers girls ages 10-15 an opportunity for outdoor fun, learning and adventure, with an emphasis on developing leadership skills and enhancing self-esteem. $340 July 30- August 3

Find YourSelf Leadership Camp A 3-day camp program for boys and girls ages 14-17 provides the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a residential camp setting! $200

Recovery Academy offers students in grades 7-12 an opportunity to gain extra credit or recover lost credits. New ERA offers boarding and day options for boys and day options for girls. Fun activities are incorporated into the daily schedule. June 24-July 21. Summer Leadership Camp - Boys ages 13-17 can learn basic leadership skills at this military-style boarding camp. Campers will enjoy adventures while learning how to tap into their inner leader. July 8-20. 573.581.1776. See display ad on pg. 39. www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Summer at the Nelson-Atkins! Celebrate nature this summer as you explore places and spaces, travel in time, create your own cartoons and discover secret gardens; all in The Nelson-Atkins Summer Art Classes! Students 3–18 enjoy the unique benefit of seeing and talking about art in the galleries as part of the learning experience. Special guests include artists, curators and other Museum staff. Enroll early–class size is limited. Visit www.Nelson-Atkins.org for class listings. See display ad on pg. 36. 816.751.1ART.

Olathe Bible Church ACA Accredited Camp

913-757-4500 wildwoodctr.org

Kids can participate in a unique camp experience to sharpen their skills in sports and life.

Get Focused Kids Camp: In the Zone, June 25-28, is for kids going into grades 1-6. Kids can choose from ten different camp experiences including basketball, lacrosse, football, dance/

Search by location through Google Maps plus see photos, videos and more.

Visit KCParent.com/Guides

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kcparent.com april 2012

NelsonAtkins KC parent Sum ClassesFINoutline.indd 1

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cheer, culinary, multimedia adventures and more. Also join us for VBS July 16-19 for kids ages 3-5. Use the code KCP and receive a 10% discount when you register online at www.GetFocusedKidsCamp.com. See display ad on pg. 31.

Pembroke Hill Picture Perfect Summer at Pembroke Hill! A snapshot of a great summer at Pembroke Hill includes a variety of academic, athletic and enriching classes while capturing what summer is really about...having fun! Open to the community, Pembroke Hill Summer Program offers students the opportunity to pose as pirates, zoom into space, develop science experiments and much more! For more information, visit us at www.PembrokeHill.org. See display ad on pg. 34.

Art camps and classes youth | high schoolers | adults www.kcai.edu/artforeveryone

Sky’s the Limit Join us this summer at Sky’s the Limit! We serve K-6 at our two locations, 10001 W 88th Terr and 8301 Lamar in OP. Spend the summer engaging with a great staff in activities including mad science, fort building, crafts, music and much more. We take a field trip everyday including swimming, indoor gyms, parks, movies and many others. Lunch is included! We are open all summer! Space is limited, 913.381.4743 or visit www.OPChildcare.com for details. See display ad on pg. 38.

kcparent.com april 2012

37

St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School Have fun this summer at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School! We have morning and afternoon classes in art, music, theatre, sports, academics, cooking, nature and more. Extended day is also available. Summer program dates: Monday through Friday, June 4 to 29 & July 9 to August 3.

For more information, contact: Christina Lenon, Director of Enrichment Programs, 816.268.6536 or clenon@speds.org. www.SPEDS.org. See display ad on pg. 30.

Summit Christian Academy Summit Christian Academy presents Camp Eagle Summit, a Christian-based summer academy and camp for students entering 1st6th grade, May 21-August 10, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with before- and after-care at no extra charge.

Weekly activities include Summit Waves, Y.E.S! Kids’ Fitness/golf lessons, chapel service, and

Visit KCParent.com for the NEW Geo-based Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos, videos and more — your complete one-stop shop for camps! academic enrichment. Field trips include Science City/Planetarium, T-Bones Baseball, KC Zoo, Legoland® and more! Participants will have the opportunity to be part of the musical Annie, Jr. 816.525.1480. See display ad on pg.

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discount 10%. Flexible schedule, make your own. Specials: $54 half day, $99 full day. Also have one week camps in NKC, LS and Plaza, 816.561.2787 or tiarts@hotmail.com. See KC Parent ad on pg. 35 for $20 coupon. www.DramaKC.com

Theatre of the Imagination

Wildwood

Performing arts. One and two week camps run Mon-Fri, May 31-Aug. 12 at 6100 W. 127th, OP, KS. Open Pre-K -10th grades. Half-day or full-day, (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), available. Shows spoof Clones, Divas, Vampires, Princesses, Video Games and more. No auditions and no experience required. Free costumes, shows & snacks.

Enroll by 3/31 get 15% off. Multiple child

Located near LaCygne, KS, Wildwood’s beautiful residential camping facility features both low and high ropes course experiences and offers activities in outdoor, adventure and experiential education. Summer Adventure is a 5-day residential camp for kids ages 8-14.

WOW (Women of Wildwood) is a 5-day residential camp for girls ages 10-15. Find YourSelf

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Weeklong camp provides boys the opportunity to discover their unique God-given abilities.

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8301 Lamar Ave & 10001 W 88th St Overland Park, KS • 913.381.4743

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Discovery Farm Training Center

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Summer at Sky’s the Limit Crafts and fort building Fieldtrips every week Swimming, parks, movies and more!

$50 tuition credit if you enroll by May 1

Leadership Camp is a 3-day camp program for boys and girls ages 14-17. ACA accredited camp. 913.757.4500. See display ad on pg. 36. www.WildwoodCtr.org.

Summer Day Camps for Kids and Young Adults with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

YMCA Summer Program At Y Day Camp, the possibilities are endless— and fun. Kids explore nature, find new talents, and make lasting friendships and memories.

Choose among camps for preschoolers, grade schoolers and teens with different themes weekly. Specialty camps include sports, engineering, cooking and fashion; service learning for tweens and teens; and a new camp at Camp Naish to explore the outdoors. Locations include Blue Valley, Center, Olathe, Shawnee Mission and Spring Hill school districts; Platte County Community Center South and Broadway United Methodist Church in KCMO. See display ad on pg. 11. www.YMCASummerFun.org.

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Summer opportunities abound at MMA! Summer Leadership Camp - Boys ages 13-17 learn basic leadership and military skills from experienced mentors at this military-style leadership camp. July 8-20.

New ERA Summer School - Students in grades 7-12 can recover lost credits or gain extra credits in just four weeks at our structured academic summer school program. Co-ed day and all-boy boarding options available. A full schedule of fun activities is included.

June 24-July 21.

Visit www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer kcparent.com april 2012

39

TIME TO MOVE ON? WHEN YOUR CHILD WANTS TO

Common reasons why children lose interest or want to discontinue their extracurricular activities.

• Want to pursue other interests, hobbies or sports • Not having enough fun or being bored • Dislike the coach/ instructor or other team members • Unable to cope with the pressure to win or perform •Find the training too hard or do not like to practice

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A

s a parent, raising a well-rounded child is a huge priority and one of our main objectives. We want our children to be diverse and exposed to culture, the arts and sports. It’s our job to provide them with every opportunity to learn and grow into the person they aspire to be.

“Childhood is an opportunity to experience multiple activities and have the chance to try out new and different events,” says Sarah Dettmer, M.S.Ed., M.S., LPC, a psychotherapist who is an individual, couple and family counselor in Kansas City, MO. It’s important to encourage your child to play sports or learn an instrument. Doing so will help kids develop characteristics and healthy habits that will mold their personalities and last a lifetime. However, there comes a time when your child might want to quit the team or try ballet instead of jazz. This raises the question do you let them?

While there is no right or wrong answer regarding whether your child should move on from an activity, here are a few things to consider before making that decision.

EVALUATE THE SITUATION

When it comes to pursuing other interests, the decision depends on the children, their level of talent, how long they have been involved and the reasons why they want to quit. Parents should be cautious about pushing them into doing something they no longer enjoy. It could potentially cause conflict at home or lack of motivation. “I just didn’t understand why she didn’t want to cheer anymore, until I found out her best friend just joined the soccer team,” says Amanda Gray, Shawnee. Try to find the root cause of why your child has lost interest and find a solution.

LEND AN EAR

Understand that any time a child starts something new, you need to allow time for adjusting. It’s not uncommon for your child

OFFER ALTERNATIVES

to feel uncertain about a new coach or be intimidated by harder practices. Sit down with your child and listen to his concerns about the new circumstances. Offer encouragement, explain the benefits of working hard and express how proud you are of him. “When Colby started conditioning for soccer his freshmen year, he was intimidated by all of his new older teammates and the long practices,” says Mindy Knowles, Parkville. “But after my husband and I sat down and told him how proud we were of him and that he could do it, it seemed to calm his fears knowing we supported him and understood.”

SEE THE SEASON THROUGH

You can’t force your child to continue something she absolutely refuses to do, but you can and should compromise with her. Explain to her that she made a commitment to her instructors, coaches and teammates when she joined the team and everyone is counting on her for a full season. Educate her on the importance of seeing a commitment through and that it helps build character and reinforces good habits.

If it’s just that swimming really isn’t his thing or he is tiring of the clarinet, offer other interests for your child to be involved in.

If it’s just that swimming really isn’t his thing or he is tiring of the clarinet, offer other interests for your child to be involved in. “If a child desires to end one activity and begin another, a parent may set a boundary that at the conclusion of a series of classes or a sports season, the family will look at other options and find a new activity,” Dettmer says.

Research with your child an activity that interests him. Having fun is the number one motivation for children to be involved in extracurricular activities, and dropouts occur when the child no longer is having fun.

Remember that we get our children involved in sports, dance and other activities for them to have fun, learn social skills, develop fundamentally and grow. It might be time for them to move on if you are spending more time coaxing them into the car for practice than cheering them on from the sidelines.

Jennifer Duxbury is a freelance writer from Belton who looks forward to encouraging and supporting her son in all of his extracurricular activities in the future.

kcparent.com april 2012

41

guilt busters for

W

MOM

hen my firstborn was 1 day old, she and I were alone in the hospital room while the rest of the family went out to eat.

Breastfeeding was not going as planned, and I was supplementing with formula. My daughter voiced her opinion on the meal by screaming and kicking. Just as formula spilled on both of us, a nurse rushed in.

Unbeknownst to me, my precious bundle of joy had kicked so hard her security bracelet had fallen off, setting off alarms in the maternity ward.

My husband returned to a wailing baby and sobbing wife. How could I possibly raise a child if I couldn’t even take care of her most basic needs?

This was my first trip to the land of Mom Guilt, and I’ve been a frequent visitor ever since. Most moms experience guilt from time to time.

So what can you do to minimize those guilty feelings?

Focus on the positive.

Billi is a single mom in Belton who says her biggest mom guilt is working the overnight shift. She sleeps during the day and sometimes misses out on time with her girls. She focuses on the upside, though. “I remind myself that my job pays the bills and those extras the girls want. It keeps a roof over our heads and food on the table. By working nights, I am able to volunteer at the girls’ school, which they think is awesome.”

Don’t compare yourself to others.

I know a mom who cooks homemade meals using organic ingredients every day, sews most of her kids’ clothes, whips out fabulous scrapbooks on a regular basis and is Ms. Organization. Me? I often serve mac ‘n cheese from the box, buy my kids’ clothes off the clearance rack, am behind on scrapbooks and am buried in clutter. But I’m a good mom, and so is she.

It’s okay to be different.

Remember you’re not Polyanna.

Shanna is a Belton mom who admits, “I sometimes lose my cool when both kids are melting down!” Recently she took

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out her frustrations on the trash can, kicking and shoving it. She then noticed her 2-year-old was watching her with a strange look on his face.

We all have moments of frustration and anger, we all get overwhelmed and we all make mistakes. And it’s okay, as long as we’re not taking our aggravations out on those around us. As Shanna says, “Better than yelling at my son, right?”

Just say no.

We often try to achieve the status of Super Mom, but nobody can do it all. Saying no—to heading up class parties, leading a Girl Scout troop, a work promotion that involves longer hours—is okay and will make you a better mom in the long run.

Focus on the things that mean the most and invest your time and energy into doing those things really well. Your sanity will thank you.

Order a “time-out.”

For yourself, that is. Melissa, a Raymore mom, often goes home before she picks up her daughter from daycare. “Sometimes I just need a half-hour to myself,”

she says, but admits she feels guilty about it. However, we all need time to unwind.

Schedule a massage, go for a walk, take a book to the park or do whatever it takes to recharge your batteries. You’ll be calmer and more focused afterwards.

Don’t let others make you feel guilty.

Coming from other moms (“You mean you’re not breastfeeding?”) and from our own kids (“You never play with me!”), it sometimes seems that everyone is trying to lay on the guilt. Stay strong and remind yourself that you are a fabulous mom.

Remember you’re not alone. Talk to friends and family when you feel the pangs of mom guilt, and, chances are, they’ll nod sympathetically and share their own stories. Knowing that others have “been there, done that” can help lighten the load.

Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her husband, daughter and son. Hearing dozens of stories of “mom guilt” while researching this story made her realize that we’re all in this together.

word from dad

Even Though I Was Shy, No

One Else Knew That But ME. I Focused On Being The Best.

Deven, Tiger-Rock Black Belt / Age 10

COURAGE

“D

ad,” James asked, “could you take me to the restroom?” At a Scout campout, the restroom was just an outhouse. It was modern and concrete, but primitive in design—and bugs were irresistibly drawn to it. James never liked bugs and now he needed my presence to reassure him in the restroom.

We opened the door, and I saw a 2-inchlong skink, shiny black with one iridescent orange stripe on each side, trapped in a corner. The lizard tried desperately to escape, but the corner was unyielding.

“James,” I said in wonder, “that’s not a bug, it’s a lizard.” I thought it would fascinate James as it did me.

James shrieked in sheer terror, spun on his heel and sprinted the 50 yards back to camp, screaming all the way. For the rest of the campout, he never went into that restroom again.

Our children frequently surprise us, though. Later that year, James saw a 2-story inflatable slide at a church festival and, despite his lifelong fear of heights, decided to try it. As he got higher, his progress became slower, and the line of impatient children grew behind him. Finally he reached the top and sat in the staging area. James looked down, gulped, took a deep breath and launched himself. Almost before he knew it, he was at the bottom. Grinning as much from triumph as from exhilaration, he ran back into the line.

We know that children don’t grow physically in a smooth, continuous flow; they grow in spurts. We don’t always realize that they grow emotionally in spurts, too. That little skink was too much for my Scout at that time. A Scout is brave, though, and James proved his Scout mettle. He faced his fears and mastered them. That is true courage.

Bill Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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43

the serious business of

PLAY

I

t turns out the old adage is true: All work and no play really does make Jack a dull boy. But probably not in the way you’d expect.

Sure, play breaks monotony and relieves stress. But it’s what happens inside Jack’s brain as he builds cities in the sandbox or slays dragons with a buddy that gives him the most bang for his play buck, according to researchers who’ve studied play in both humans and animals.

Play is where connections are formed that will follow him into adulthood—connections that help him learn about his world, understand how things work, express himself and develop physical, mental and social skills.

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WIRED FOR FUN

Fortunately, we don’t have to teach our children to play—it comes naturally.

In fact, studies show that from birth to 6, children are likely to play more than 15,000 hours.

“When we think about play, we often think of it as a nonsensical type of activity,” says Phillip Hause, a licensed professional counselor and play therapist at CrossPointe Counseling Center in Gardner. But nothing could be further from reality. Play, or the lack of it, affects every aspect of a child’s development.

“We can understand our children better if we understand their play,” Hause says. “By watching children play, we often

WE CAN UNDERSTAND OUR CHILDREN BETTER IF WE UNDERSTAND THEIR PLAY.

learn more about their feelings, thoughts, motivations and struggles than by talking with them.”

Play has been dubbed the “language of childhood” by researchers, Hause says. “And if we learn or relearn that language, we can build more satisfying relationships with our children.”

Because of this, Hause stresses the importance of children having time to play not only by themselves and with friends, but also with their own parents.

A BALANCING ACT

Sadly, studies show that U.S. children in 2002 had 12 fewer hours of free time per week than children 20 years earlier, severely limiting play time—especially

unstructured outdoor activities.

The culprit, says Hause, is over scheduling.

Mary Sprague of Olathe knows what it’s like to juggle schooling, church life (she’s a pastor’s wife), organized activities, play time and six kids—ages 1 to 18, including two adopted from Ethiopia last year.

Still, Sprague and her husband, Clint, are intentional about finding balance and nurturing play in their children.

“Anything you do with them, they will learn to love,” Sprague says. “You let them try a little bit of everything and if they’re not into it, then that’s cool. Or if they want to do it, then that’s great, too.”

While the Sprague children are involved in everything from youth theater to football and basketball to gymnastics and ballet, they still find plenty of time to build forts, color, play dress up, sew, skate and play soccer and other games together and with neighbors.

“Play is a top priority,” Sprague says.

“My kids are not couch potato kids and so, whether we’re kicking balls in the backyard or riding bikes or going to a park, it’s a real big deal.”

The same holds true for Jake and Bethany McGuire and their three children, ages 5, 10 and 13.

“Our favorite things to do are swimming and running together,” says the Belton mom. “We also love Dance Party Wii and Uno, because even our 5-year-old can play.”

One way the McGuires achieve balance is by limiting tech games.

“We give them Wii time, but it mostly has to involve one of the more physical games to get their bodies involved,” she says. “We also let them do sit-on-thecouch-and-drool games, but they are limited to only one hour on the weekends or when friends come over.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

You’re never too old to play.

And according to Dr. Stuart Brown, in his book Play, although the types of activities change as people mature, the need for play and its value in a person’s life does not.

Which is a good reminder—because all work and no play make grown-up Jack dull, too.

Melinda Ablard Smith is wife to one amazing man, mom to two great teenagers and owner to three excessively playful Chihuahuas. She lives in Olathe and teaches journalism at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER Both the Spragues and the McGuires use family nights to get everyone— from the toddler to the teenager— involved in play. Here are some tips for creating a synapse-sparking, bond-building, stress-busting family fun night: Let your hair down. Run, dance, wrestle and take time to laugh with each other. You and your children are making great memories. Have fun!

Involve everyone. Find an activity that all family members can enjoy. A card game that uses colors instead of numbers or an action game like charades ensures that the little ones can participate, too.

Keep it simple. Limit complicated activities that take a lot of planning and equipment. The easier the preparation and execution, the more often family nights will happen.

Encourage face time. Movie nights are fun but don’t allow for much interaction. Mix it up with activities that encourage communication.

Game night is great for creating fun rivalries and getting everyone talking.

An edible science experiment or an off-the-wall craft also can spark conversations.

Don’t break the bank. Play tag or Frisbee in the backyard or at a park.

Design and deliver homemade cards for residents of a care home. Bake and decorate cookies. Run through the sprinklers. Make a music video.

The possibilities for cheap fun are endless. And if you’re really struggling for ideas, you could check out Lisa Bany-Winters’ book, Family Fun Nights: 140 Activities the Whole Family Will Enjoy or Family Fun Night, by Cynthia L. Copeland. kcparent.com april 2012

45

LITTLE LAMB CAKE BALLS

Celebrate Easter and spring with these darling lamb cake balls, excerpted from Sugarlicious.

Recipes

Idea

• Cake pops (cake and buttercream frosting) • Melting chocolate and candy melts

Tint the coconut pink, blue, yellow or purple and use coordinating colors of candy melts and almonds.

Supplies

Shortcut

• Jordan almonds • black edible writer • shredded coconut • white candy melts • mini pretzel sticks • baking tray • wax paper

Use store bought cake mix and frosting for the cake pops.

Instructions 1. Follow a recipe for cake pops to bake your cake, prepare your cake balls and chill.

2. Make 2 black dots for eyes with the edible writer on the Jordan almonds and set aside.

With a dab of bright icing and a sprinkle of color, you can transform drab sugar cookies into glowing planets, plain marshmallows into scary zombies and simple cake pops into blooming flowers. Meaghan Mountford, creator of the blog The Decorated Cookie and the edible crafts editor of CraftGossip.com, shares her secrets for producing adorable edible art. Sugarlicious will demystify professional techniques so that anyone can learn how to pipe icing like a pro and have fun with fondant. With the lively inspiration and foolproof directions in this book, you can discover how to personalize any sweet treat and turn your home kitchen into a studio for yummy works of art! Amazon.com

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kcparent.com april 2012

3. Pour coconut on a plate and set aside. Melt candy melts according to the instructions. For each lamb, break 2 pretzel sticks in half so each pretzel piece is about 1 3/4 inches long. Dip the ends of the 4 pretzel pieces in the melted candy melts; then insert them into the base of a chilled cake ball. For best results, return the cake ball to the freezer for 5 minutes to help set. Holding 2 of the pretzel legs, dip the cake ball in the melts and immediately roll in coconut. Stand the cake ball on the pretzel legs on a piece of wax paper.

4. Use a dab of melted candy melts to adhere the Jordan almond head to the lamb. Let dry.

blog bits

Creating your story at JCCC …

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shopping

I

hear from a lot of busy people that they just don’t have time for coupons. And trust me, I get it. I don’t have time for coupons right now, either. For a few years I was a die-hard couponer who never left the house without her coupon binder. But now as a working mom with 20 things pulling me in different directions, I just don’t have the time anymore. I still clip coupons and use them, but gone are the days of the well-planned shopping trip where every item had a coupon to go with it. But couponing isn’t the ONLY way to save money on the things you need.

You can save money by NOT SHOPPING! Revolutionary, I know. But think about it a little. The more you shop, the more money you spend, even if you are shopping for things you need. If you go to the grocery store three times each week, that is three opportunities to throw a few extras into the cart. Packs of gum and an extra bag of chips add up fast!

By planning one big grocery shopping trip each week, I have fewer impulse buys in my cart. And I am trying really hard not to go to Target unless I truly need something. (My goal is once every two weeks...but Target is my happy place so that is hard). I used to go just to “check out the clearance” each week and guess where that landed me...with lots of things that were really great deals and a Target bill that was higher than I wanted it to be.

Does this mean I never shop unless we are out of milk? No. Sometimes it’s great to take a stroll through Target or the mall. But I’m trying to think of it as a “once in a while” treat instead of a weekly occurrence. Hopefully our budget will be better off because of it!

Sara Keenan lives in Kansas City. She and other moms (and dads) blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today!

“You can do it! You can totally do it!”

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47

april

The NEW KCParent.com calendar now has 10x MORE EVENTS!

CALENDAR

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

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kcparent.com april 2012

ride

play

party

go

explore

Hop aboard the Midland Railway Egg Hunt train on April 7.

Ride the train, hunt for Easter eggs and bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny.

Trains depart at 9:00, 11:00, 2:00 & 4:00. Adults/$14, Children (ages 1-11)/$7.

913.721.1211

In conjunction with the Nettie Wells Dollhouse exhibit, the Toy and Miniature Museum will bring Nettie’s story to life through firstperson interpretation, interactive tours and a hands-on cigar box dollhouse workshop on April 7. Noon4:00. Pre-reg. for workshop.

816.235.8005.

Celebrate Earth Day during Party for the Planet at the Zoo on Saturday, April 14 from 10:00 to 3:00.

Pump up the volume on your conservation initiatives, check out the zoo’s Green Team, visit and vote for your favorite Scraps to Sculpture display and much more.

816.513.5800

MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy on April 21 at 10:00 features dazzling mega kite displays by the Kansas City Kite Club on the picturesque lawn of the MCCLongview campus. Kids will enjoy face painting, a candy drop and more. Free.

816.604.2030

On April 28 and 29 at 1:00, head to the Neslon-Atkins for art+family=fun.

Study the details of an elaborately decorated suit of Japanese armor and create a collage inspired by its symbols and textures. Free.

816.751.1321

1 SUNDAY

Special Swim 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Individuals with disabilities can attend a special swim time just for them.

913.895.6390 April Fool’s Day! KCParent.com Farmstead Opening Day 9:00, Deanna Rose has tons of Children’s Farmstead. Bring fun ideas! out the kids to see all the animals and birds of prey at the farmstead! 913.897.2360

Miller Marley Youth Ballet Performs...

Peter Pan

Vaile Mansion Reopens 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of the nation’s premiere examples of second empire Victorian architecture.

816.325.7430 Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum. Learn about the gilded age in American history through song, trivia and games. 816.483.8300 Meet Me at the Museum 2:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Join a docent for a lively discussion and tour of the museum’s current exhibitions. 816.753.5784 Rapunzel 2:00, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. A veggie love story about two avid gardeners who marry and have a beautiful daughter. 816.756.3500 Make Someone Happy 3:00, Quality Hill Playhouse. Enjoy the talent and partnership of Betty Comden and Adolf Green, who knew how to make people happy. 816.421.1700

April 14 & 15, 2012 Lewis & Shirley White Theatre Overland Park, KS

General Admission $12.00 For Tickets call Miller Marley School at 913-492-0004

Chapel Choir Performance 6:30, Gano Chapel at William Jewell College. This free choir performance is open to the public. HistoricDowntownLiberty.org Gospel Skate Night 7:00, Skate World. Grab your friends and family and skate to the uplifting tunes of gospel music. $6/skater, $1.50/skate rental.

913.262.0711

RUMPELSTILTSKIN...

RECYCLED!?!© Through May 10

reservations essential! call for showtimes tickets only $5.99!

CALL 913.642.7576 95TH & METCALF AVE, OP, KS kcparent.com april 2012

49

Enjoy Earth Day by getting out and enjoying some of the events all over town

GO GREEN, KC! April 6 & 7 Missouri Arbor Day: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, April 6, 7:00-5:30, or April 7, 8:004:30. Celebrate Missouri Arbor Day by taking a hike beneath the towering giants that grace the trails at Burr Oak Woods. Pre-reg. at 816.228.2766.

Ages 5 and up with adult.

April 14 Second Saturday Kids’ Fun Fest: Party for the Planet: Kansas City Zoo, 10:00-3:00. Celebrate Earth Day during Party for the Planet! Pump up the volume on your conserva-

tion initiatives and check out the zoo’s Green Team.

Meet and learn about polar bears from some of the leaders of Polar Bears International.

Puppets for the Planet Festival: Lakeside Nature Center, 10:00-2:00 (816.513.8960).

Come to the center to learn, watch a puppet show from StoneLion Puppets, make something to take home and see our nighttime stars.

April 20 FREE Family Fun Night: Earth Day: Sylvester Powell Community Cen-

ter, 5:00-8:00. Your family can learn more about “going green.” Free activities include showing of The Lion King, open swimming, Earth Day arts & crafts, video games & the indoor playground.

April 21 Earth Day Celebration: Powell Gardens, 9:00-5:00 (816.697.2600).

Learn how to implement green gardening practices. Kids can dig in a worm bin and find out how beneficial these critters are for the soil. Stretch those gardening muscles with a yoga

session or discover new ways to use fresh ingredients.

Admission: $9.50/ adults, $8.50/ seniors and $4/ children 5-12.

Puppets for the Planet Fest: Theis Mall/Brush Creek Amphitheater, 9:00-Noon. Enjoy eco game shows, new puppets and some of the best talent in the city!

Join us for these free interactive events. Events include live performances, hands-on workshops and games, environmental information tables and refreshment area.

StoneLionPuppets.org.

April 28 Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration: Gardner Greenway Corridor, 11:001:00. Come celebrate Earth Day with Gardner Parks and Rec! After a group cleanup of the Gardner Greenway Corridor, join the Parks and Recreation Department for a free barbecue lunch in the park.

Watch a treeplanting demonstration and take part in a drawing for free trees, t-shirts and lots of other prizes! RSVP 913.856.0936

It’s everything you loved about the old site and much, much more!

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kcparent.com april 2012

2 MONDAY

Plaza Bunnies & Wonderland Animals Thru Apr 9, 9:00, Country Club Plaza. Larger-than-life bunnies and other springtime animals grace the Plaza!

816.561.8140 Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms receive a FREE admission to the Edutainment Center with the purchase of a full-priced child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Children’s Book Character Sculptures Exhibit Thru Apr 13, all day, Liberty Library. Students from Liberty High and Liberty North High will display their sculpture pieces at the library. 816.781.9240 Midtown Playgroup 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Bring your kids to the indoor playground setting and have some fun! $1.50/child.

816.784.5200 Preschool Story Time 11:00, Blue Springs South Library. Preschoolers ages 3-5 will enjoy literacyrich books, music and crafts. 816.229.3571 The Easter Bunny Visits Weekends Thru Apr 7, Crown Center. A professional photographer is available for a fee, and guests are welcome to bring their cameras as well. 816.274.8444 Jazz on the Square 4:00, Corbin Theatre. Come early to get a seat for this free event. Donations are always welcome! HistoricDowntownLiberty.org

3 TUESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Preschool Story Time 10:00, Grandview Library. A fun program for 3- to 5-year-olds using tried and true activities and literacy-rich books.

816.763.0550 Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Indoor play area with inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys.

OverlandParkMops.Blogspot.com Preschool Story Time 10:30, Boardwalk Library. Preschoolers will enjoy literacy-rich books and stories, along with music and finger plays.

816.741.9011

E! E FR

Saturday April 21

Flights of Fancy MCC-Longview

Kite Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

6TH ANNUAL

Flights of Fancy

Mega Kite Festival presented by

Stunning professional displays by the Kansas City Kite Club.

Free kids’ activities.

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in the indoor play area while you enjoy the full-service coffee bar.

913.631.7000 Pizza Gone Wild 6:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Sample the fresh-baked pizzas using plants and animals found naturally in Missouri. 816.759.7300

www.MCCFlightsofFancy.org MCC-Longview Campus 500 SW Longview Rd • Lee’s Summit, MO kcparent.com april 2012

51

Children’s Game Night 7:00, Blue Ridge Library. Join fellow gamers at the library for fun!

816.761.3382

Puppets for the Planet | April 21

4 WEDNESDAY

Open Play: Stanley 9:30, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Participate in free open play at the church.

Feel free to bring your own toys, too. 913.681.8180 Weekly Story Time 10:00, Barnes and Noble (Town Center Plaza). Bring your little ones out to hear a special story time each Wednesday.

913.491.4535 Playgroup 10:00, Turner Community Library.

On the first Wednesday of the month, little ones have fun listening to stories, singing songs and participating in crafts. 913.596.1404 St George & the Dragon 10:00, Liberty Performing Arts Center. Paul Mesner Puppets travels back to the time of dragons, damsels and dungeons. PaulMesnerPuppets.org Priscilla Howe 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Children will be entertained by this master storyteller at this free event.

913.326.6645 Celtic Woman 7:30, Music Hall. BELIEVE star vocalists perform under the musical direction of Emmy-nominated musical director, David Downes.

CelticWoman.com

MISSION BOWL

summer bowling 1. Go to kidsbowlfree.com/mission 2. Receive the free bowling passes every week by email

3. Come and enjoy bowling all summer!

No strings attached... registered children receive certificates to bowl 2 free games a day all summer

KCParent.com is showering you with giveaways in April!

Win 4 tickets to see Sleeping Beauty at Yardley Hall on April 28 at 8:00 pm. ($128 value) Win one of three copies of the new DVD series from the BBC called Frozen Planet. ($40 value)

Leigh’s School of Dance now enrolling for spring!

established in 1970 recreation & competitive levels

Win a Baby Jogger City Mini Single Stroller. ($200 value)

Olathe Mission 913-782-0279 913-432-7000 www.missionbowl.com

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kcparent.com april 2012

Log onto KCParent.com and click GIVEAWAYS for details.

No purchase necessary. See rules on entry form for eligibility & terms.

135th St. & South Arapaho Dr. www.leighsschoolofdance.com

913.764.4146

MARCH 2012 Proof

5 THURSDAY

National Volleyball Collegiate Club Championships Thru Sat, Bartle Hall. See talented athletes play for the top spot in club volleyball.

816.513.5000 New Easter Bunny Puppet Show 10:00, Blue Springs North Library. Enjoy a delightful 30-minute puppet show and see what the Easter Bunny decides to hide.

Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly Thru April 14, Union Station. Theatre for Young America presents this funny musical play. 816.460.2083 Highlights Tour 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. This 30-minute guided tour will investigate various aspects of western settlement.

816.325.7575

just click & save!

sign up for our mailing list today!

Visit usababyks.com & get

$25 off $50 purchase coupon when you sign up for USA Baby rewards! or, just scan the code! everything you need is right here!

Family Science Night at the Zoo 5:30, Kansas City Zoo. Learn all about energizing energy in a fun hands-on way with your family! 816.513.5723 A Spoonful of Sugar Thru Apr 29, Thu-Sat (no Easter performance), 8:00, Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Hear a tribute to the music of Julie Andrews! 913.764.2121

6 FRIDAY

Missouri Arbor Day Today & tomorrow, 8:00, Burr Oak Woods. Celebrate Missouri Arbor Day by taking a hike beneath the towering giants along the trails.

816.228.3766

Come to USA Baby and big kids too for the furniture that will make your nursery or big kids room shine!

7275 W 105th Street • OP, KS 66212 • 913.962.1503 • usababyks.com

Baby Time: Story Time 9:30, West Wyandotte Library. This program is specifically for infants ages 6 to 23 months with a caregiver or parent.

913.596.5800

Order tickets online before the event & save on the price of each ticket!

Rumpelstiltskin…Recycled Thru May 10, 10:00, Metcalf South. A clever spin on a classic tale that will get you thinking about going green!

913.642.7576 Playwear Event 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe & Independence). Two days only! All playwear with pink tickets is just $1.00! 913.780.6600 and 816.373.4585 Jazz Storytelling 10:00, American Jazz Museum.

Jazz storytelling introduces children to new music and cultures in a creative environment.

816.474.8463 Story Time Tumble: KCKS 10:30, Turner Library.

Bring little ones each Friday for stories, songs and finger plays followed by tumbling activities.

913.596.1404 Early Spring Crops Noon, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Learn all about planting, selecting and caring for a spring vegetable garden. 816.931.3877 Arbor Day Celebration 2:00, Flora Park.

Celebrate Arbor Day with Mayor Barry McCullough from Gladstone by planting a tree. Gladstone.Mo.Us Border War Reflections 7:00, Alexander Majors Historic House & Museum. A local actress presents

25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine Meeting Sir Topham Hatt Storytelling, Magic Shows, Build with Mega Bloks® and Much More!

TM

Midland Railway

1515 W. High Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006

June 1-3 & 8-10th, 2012 For tickets and information, visit www.ticketweb.com/dowt or call 866.468.7630 Tickets are $20 for ages 2 and up.

Advance purchase is recommended.

Ticket sales are final. Events are rain or shine.

kcparent.com april 2012

53

a dramatic interpretation of Missouri’s troubled past. 816.444.1858 First Fridays 7:00-9:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open late the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Narnia: The Musical Thru Sun, 7:00, Kauffman Center. KC Starlight Children’s Theatre presents the most famous of the Narnia stories, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. KCStarlight.com

7 SATURDAY

Easter Egg 5K and Lil Bunny Fun Run 8:00, Lionsgate Marketplace. A fun family event that features a fun run for kids 10 years and younger!

SportKC.org Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Hunt 9:00, Powell Gardens. Breakfast begins at 9:00, and the hunt starts at 11:00. Pre-reg.

816.697.2600 x209 Kids Workshop 9:00-Noon, Home Depot stores.

Kids can come in during the morning and build a bird feeder! Just in time for the spring weather!

HomeImproverClub.com Bunny Hop 9:45, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Join the Easter Bunny in a parade up 3rd Street and with pictures afterwards! DowntownLS.org

Easter Egg Hunt Train Rides 9:00, 11:00, 2:00 & 4:00, Midland Railway. Visit the Easter Bunny, bring your camera to take photos and ride the train.

913.721.1211 10 Years of Discovery 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Celebrate 10 years of discovering nature through fun activities and entertainment. 816.759.7300 Easter Festival: Raymore 10:00, Memorial Park.

Hunt for 15,000 eggs in age-appropriate areas!

Enjoy refreshments, face painting and fun activities.

Raymore.com Geo-Kids 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. A basic instruction class for children ages 6-12 on use of a compass, followed by a treasure hunt. $5/child.

913.685.3604

Kansas City Easter Parade 11:00, Zona Rosa. Free event features the Easter Bunny, fun entertainment and a best-dressed contest for the whole family. 816.587.8180 Nettie Wells Dollhouse: A Family at Play Noon, Toy & Miniature Museum. Nettie’s story comes to

KC

NATURE Burr Oak Woods 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO, 816.228.3766 Burr Oak Woods is one of the largest nature centers in the area. With an animatronic Smokey the Bear teaching children fire safety, a large aquarium of Missouri’s fresh water fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more, it is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Burroughs Audubon Nature Center 7300 W. Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO, 816.795.8177 Located in Fleming Park and Lake Jacomo, the Burroughs Audubon Nature Center is a library and bird watching center complete with binoculars, guides and great viewing areas.

Cave Spring Nature Center 8701 E. Gregory Blvd., KCMO, 816.358.CAVE Cave Spring Nature Center is a small nature center with historic exhibits on the Little House on the Prairie and Kansas

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Family Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. Come see some of the funniest and most entertaining magicians at this family-friendly event.

816.759.5233 Public Animal Feeding 3:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Watch snakes, turtles and other animals eat and see how you can help!

816.781.8595 Parents’ Night Out 5:30, Legacy Christian Church (Olathe &Overland Park). This PNO is specifically for families with children who have special needs.

913.381.8055

Easter Egg Hunt 10:30, Meadowmere Park. The Easter Bunny hops into Grandview to lead the hunt for treats. Bring your basket and get your photo taken as well. Grandview.org

EXPLORING

Nature Centers in Missouri

life through interpretation, interactive tours and a hands-on workshop. 816.235.8000

City. The scenic walking trails lead to a cave and a wildlife habitat pond.

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., KCMO, 816.759.7300 The Discovery Center offers terrific educational programs. The trail leads to Kauffman Gardens. At the center, learn about wildlife through environmentally friendly activities.

Kemper Outdoor Educational Center 8201 Jasper Bell, Blue Springs, MO, 816.229.8980 The Kemper Outdoor Educational Center is situated near Blue Springs Lake and surrounded by beautiful gardens! Enjoy reptile displays, rock and fossil exhibits, trails, butterfly and water gardens, an arboretum, pond and more.

Nature Centers in Kansas

Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N. Hwy. 7, Olathe, KS, 913.764.7759 Ernie Miller Nature Center offers children’s activities and programs every week. You can also walk in for a visit

8 SUNDAY: easter

Easter Brunch 11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Combine elegant food and live music with priceless art in a beautiful Italian-style courtyard.

Pre-reg. 816.751.1321 Easter Egg Roll 11:15, St Peter’s United Church

any time to see live animal displays, participate in hands-on activities and explore nature trails.

F.L. Schlagle Nature Library 4501 West Dr., Wyandotte County Lake Park, KCK, 913.299.2384 The F.L. Schlagle Nature Library is a year-round interactive library, nature center and nature trail offering scientific, educational, cultural, informational and recreational opportunities to visitors of all ages.

Prairie Park Nature Center 2730 Harper St., Lawrence, KS, 785.832.7980 This nature center features fantastic animal exhibits, from reptiles to amphibians and birds to mammals. The park includes grassland, forest and lake with trails for exploring.

Overland Park Arboretum 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.685.3604 The arboretum features acres of gardens, including a children’s exploration garden, water gardens, the Monet garden and many more.

Learn about natural ecosystems and explore the trails.

of Christ. Children of all ages participate in annual Easter egg roll after the morning service.

816.942.1155

Animal Tales & Trails Exhibit Thru May 6, 10:00, Crown Center. Kids can play in an interactive habitat. 816.274.8444

Narnia: The Musical 2:00 & 4:30, Kauffman Center. KC Starlight Children’s Theatre presents the most famous of the Narnia stories, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. KCStarlight.com

Toddler Time 10:00, RFCC in Leavenworth. The gym is available for kids to experience some exercise while making new friends. 913.651.2132

50s Skate Night 7:00, B & D South. Enjoy 50s music while skating—and skate at a discount: only 50 cents to get in and 50 cents to rent skates!

816.252.1084

9 MONDAY

Plaza Bunnies & Wonderland Animals 9:00, Country Club Plaza. Today is the final day to see the larger-than-life bunnies grace the Plaza!

816.561.8140 Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms receive a FREE admission to the Edutainment Center with the purchase of a full-priced child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Midtown Playgroup 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Bring your kids to the indoor playground setting and have some fun! $1.50/child.

816.784.5200 Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. Parents must supervise. $1. 816.784.6100

10 TUESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Baby Story Time 9:30, Boardwalk Library. Enjoy fun interaction and lots of repetition. Specifically designed for babies 9-18 months.

Preschool Story Time 10:00, Antioch Library.

Enjoy exciting and unique stories involving tried and true activities for your preschooler.

816.454.1306 Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Indoor play area with inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys.

OverlandParkMops.Blogspot.com James and the Giant Peach Thru May 18, various times, Crown Center’s Coterie Theater. Plan to attend the Coterie’s Elementary/Family Series production. 816.474.6552 Frogs, Symphony of Spring 6:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Discover wonder in the symphony of spring, and identify frogs by their

unique songs. Pre-reg. 816.228.3766 Farfalle (Butterflies) Today (7:00) & tomorrow (5:00 & 7:00), Lied Center of Kansas. Interactive theatre teaches children the life cycle of a butterfly.

785.864.2787

11 WEDNESDAY

Birding Hike 8:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Prepare to hike and search for new migrating bird species and listen for their songs. 816.22.3766 Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program for children ages 9 months to 3 years old. $1/child, members free. 913.715.2550 Toddler Story Time 9:30 & 10:30, Boardwalk Library. Stories, music and movement accompany this toddler time for children ages 18-36 months.

816.741.9011 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly Thru Apr 14, Union Station. Theatre for Young America presents this funny musical play. 816.460.2083

12 THURSDAY

Elementary Open House 9:00, Heritage Christian Academy. Visit the south Overland Park campus and learn what HCA can offer your student.

HCAKC.org

kcparent.com april 2012

55

The Culture House presents Seussical | April 19-21

unique items from the Truman Library’s collections.

816.268.8200 Family Day Noon, Kemper Museum of Art. Join us on the last day of “The Big Reveal” for some family fun at the museum. Take a bow at this last curtain call.

816.753.5784

Enter KC Parent’s Cover Kid Contest. Details on pg. 5.

Awesome Birds Noon & 2:00, Crown Center.

Delight in the playful antics of tropical birds such as parrots, toucans, cockatoos and more. Presented

by Wings of Love. 816.274.8444 Art + Family = Fun Today & tomorrow, 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Enjoy informal looking and hands-on activities in the galleries.

816.751.1321 Family Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. Come see some of the funniest and most entertaining magicians at this family-friendly event.

816.759.5233

Arbor Day Celebration 9:00, English Landing Park. English Landing Park reopens just in time to celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting!

816.741.7676 Preschool Story Time 10:00, West Wyandotte Library. Story time is for preschoolers ages 3-6 and includes stories, crafts and songs. 913.596.5800 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Moms and preschoolers under 5 can bowl every Thursday for just $3 each! 913.432.7000 Family Library Time 4:30, Antioch Library. Bring the kids on in and enjoy a fun family activity in your library! 816.454.1306

13 FRIDAY

Farfalle (Butterflies) Today & tomorrow, various showtimes, Lied Center of Kansas. Interactive theatre teaches children the life cycle of a butterfly.

785.864.2787 Preschoolers: Busy, Buzzing Bees 10:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn about the special jobs of the queen bee, her worker bees and drones. Pre-reg. 816.781.8698 Growing Herbs Noon, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Learn the best ways to grow and preserve the most popular varieties of herbs. 816.931.3877 Beth Moore: Living Proof LIVE! Today & tomorrow, 7:00, Music Hall. Beth Moore will inspire you to strengthen and magnify your relationship with God at this event. LProof.org Dvorák’s New World Symphony Today & tomorrow, 8:00, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Witness one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire. 816.994.7222

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14 SATURDAY

Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, 1851– 1939 Thru Aug 19, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. View 200 objects shown at every major World’s Fair from 1851 to 1939. 816.751.1321 Great KC Pet Expo Today & tomorrow, 10:00, OP Int’l Trade Center. Plan to attend KC’s biggest celebration of pets, with contests, vendors and stunt dogs! GreatKCPetExpo.com Lost Ladybug Day 10:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn all about ladybugs and participate in crafts, games and face painting. $5/person. 816.781.8598 Kids Club 10:00, Powell Gardens. Monthly programs will feature guided walks and special behind-the-scenes tours. 816.697.2600 Farm Spring Baby Animal Shower 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Help celebrate the birth of several new animals with a baby shower! 913.971.5111 Earth Day 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center.

Celebrate Earth Day with a puppet show from StoneLion and make something creative to take home. 816.513.8960 It’s Raining Money 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe). Spend $30 or more and receive a $10 store credit. Perfect for spring! 913.780.6600

Second Saturdays 1:15, Crossroads Art District.

This enrichment program creates a link between experiencing and knowing the Crossroads.

KCCrossroads.org Spring Tea: Weddings Through the Years 2:00, Rice-Tremonti Home. Enjoy high tea highlighted by a fashion show of vintage wedding gowns. Pre-reg.

816.734.5137 Peter Pan Youth Ballet Today & tomorrow, 2:00 & 7:00, Lewis & Shirley White Theater (JCC Campus).

Performance presented by the Miller Marley Youth Ballet. 913.492.0004

15 SUNDAY

Community Yard Sale 9:00, City Market.

Come shop the great selection of used items at economical prices! TheCityMarket.org Visit Vaile Mansion 1:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of the nation’s premiere examples of second empire Victorian architecture.

816.325.7430 A Spoonful of Sugar Thru Apr 29, Thu-Sat (no Easter performance), 2:00, Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Hear a tribute to the music of Julie Andrews! 913.764.2121 Sign Up for the Dragon Dash Sign up for a 5K/1-mile fun run on May 5 at Corinth Elementary (8301 Mission Rd). This is a benefit for the Corinth Educational Foundation. CorinthDragons.com

Party for the Planet 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Check out the zoo’s Green Team, vote for your favorite Scraps to Sculpture display and much more. 816.513.5800

16 MONDAY

Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Truman Presidential Library. This program highlights rarely seen and

Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms receive a FREE admission to the Edutainment

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209

Center with the purchase of a full-priced child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. Parents must supervise. $1. 816.784.6100 Toddler Time 10:00, RFCC in Leavenworth. The gym is available for kids to experience some exercise while making new friends. 913.651.2132 Back to the 50’s 4:00-10:00, Summit Lanes.

Every Monday thru Aug 22, there is a $5 cover, and games, shoes, soft drinks and hot dogs are only 50 cents! 816.524.3322 Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament 4:00, Lucile H Bluford Library. Bring your desk and your game and get ready to Yu-Gi-Oh! 816.701.3482

17 TUESDAY

Baby Story Time 9:15, Lee’s Summit Library.

Babies 9-18 months will enjoy story time with music, repetition and fun interaction. 816.524.0567 Preschool Story Time 10:00, Grandview Library. A fun program for 3- to 5-year-olds using tried and true activities and literacy-rich books.

816.763.0550 Kidscape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Kids will love to visit the hands-on suburban streetscape exhibit! 913.715.2550

Book Club 11:00, Pottery Barn (Country Club Plaza). Every Tuesday, come for singing, crafts and a few favorite books. 816.561.8140 Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in the indoor play area while you enjoy the full-service coffee bar.

913.631.7000 Nature and Me 7:30, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Learn about the benefits nature has on lives in this interactive program. 816.759.7300

18 WEDNESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child includes traditional skates, snack and drink. 913.888.6668 Story Time 10:00, Barnes and Noble (Oak Park Mall). Plan to attend the weekly story time with your children! Free and open to the public.

913.492.8187 Jo Ho Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Storyteller Jo Ho presents “Birds of a Different Feather!” 913.715.2552 Story Time 11:00, Barnes and Noble (Independence). Enjoy the weekly story time

suitable for children up to age 8. 816. 795.9878 Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support you. 816.781.7200

19 THURSDAY

Bird Hike 8:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Help search for new sightings of migrating bird species and listen for their songs. 816.228.3766 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Moms and preschoolers under 5 can bowl every Thursday for just $3 each! 913.432.7000 Rumpelstiltskin…Recycled Thru May 10, 10:00, Metcalf South. A clever spin on a classic tale that will get you thinking about going green!

913.642.7576 Spring Home School Day 10:00 or 1:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Register for a morning or afternoon Mahaffie school program session.

913.971.5111 Homeschool Keynote Speaker 7:00, Emmanuel Baptist Church. Hear Kevin Swanson speak as kick off to MPE Homeschool Conference. 913.599.0311 Seussical Thru Sat, 7:00, Youthfront Auditorium.

Seussical is a fantastic musical extravaganza that brings to life all of the favorite Dr Seuss characters!

913.393.3141

kcparent.com april 2012

57

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

1 p.m.-4 p.m.

FREE

Live Music Craft Activities Refreshments Vote for May King and Queen

May Day Lanesfield Historic Site

18745 S. Dillie Rd Edgerton KS 66021

913-893-6645

www.jocomuseum.org

20 FRIDAY

MPE Homeschool Conference Today and tomorrow, KCI Expo. Hear Kevin Swanson speak as a kick off to the MPE Homeschool Conference.

913.599.0311 Tomatoes and Peppers Noon, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Learn how to choose, plant and care for tomatoes and peppers in this program.

816.931.3877 Friday Night Family Fun 6:30, Plaza Library. Join the Kansas City Museum for a fun-filled evening of transportation games and crafts. 816.701.3481

21 SATURDAY

Earth Day Celebration 9:00, Powell Gardens.

Adults and children will have fun at this green celebration. 816.697.2600 Buck O’Neil Baseball Classic 9:30, Cleveland Park. Free for boys and girls ages 8-12, but you must register. Bring your own baseball glove.

816.474.4652 Brownie Girl Scout Day 9:30, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Brownie Scouts can try their hand at sewing and earn a patch. 913.971.5111 Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Children with an adult can pick up a selfguided activity to follow the clues on this “ARTastic” adventure. 816.753.5784

JUST WHAT YOU WANT

THE BEST WEEKEND PLANNER FOR FAMILY FUN IN KC!

Geo-Kids 10:00 & 1:00, Overland Park Arboretum.

Children ages 6-12 learn to use a compass, and an introduction to geocaching. $5/child. 913.685.3604 Flights of Fancy MEGA Kite Festival 10:00, MCC - Longview. Features dazzling mega kite displays by the Kansas City Kite Club.

MCCFlightsOfFancy.org Earth Walk 2012 10:00, Theis Park. Join us and do your part to help move KC toward a more sustainable future. Dancing, drumming and puppets after the walk! EarthDayKC.org Walk ‘n Wag 10:00, Happy Rock Park. Bring your dog out for this 1-mile walk that benefits all the animals at the Gladstone Animal Shelter. Register

by April 13. Gladstone.Mo.Us Brumble’s Forest Grand Opening 10:00, Meadowmere Park. Help celebrate the ribbon cutting for one of the most unique playgrounds in the Metro. Grandview.org

Join the 14,000 people who already enjoy our FREE weekly eNews. Subscribe today at KCParent.com.

Plus, join our 7,100+ Facebook Followers! facebook.com/kansascityparent

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kcparent.com april 2012

Jog with Your Dog 10:00, Recreation Park Trail.

Take man’s best friend for a trial jog for an event benefiting the Raymore Animal Shelter.

Raymore.com Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Every Saturday morning, hear a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make a craft. 816.513.8960 Historic Sibley Cemetery Tours 10:00, Fort

Osage. Hear about the history of the oldest cemetery in Jackson County, including the 48 soldiers who died at Fort Osage. 816.503.4860 Nature Nuts Reading Program 10:00 & 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center.

Hear stories about forests, streams and other enchanting places. 816.759.7300 Coyote Sings Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A Native American story in which the crazy coyote tries desperately to learn a song. 816.833.9777 Spring on the Farm 11:00, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. Come to the historic site for a day filled with fun, activities and learning! 816.580.3387 The Masquerade 7:00, Indian Creek Community Church. Dramatic Truth presents a Tchaikovskyinspired Sleeping Beauty: The deception and awakening of the Bride of Christ. 816.767.9222 Suzanne Vega Concert 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC).

The talented Suzanne Vega graces the stage as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the 1980s. 913.469.8500

22 SUNDAY

St Paul’s Preschool Art Fair St Paul’s Preschool.

Tour the Children’s Gallery, highlighting art creations from children ages 2-5 years. Call for time. 913.631.0101 Spring Cemetery Tour 1:30, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Learn about the history of Olathe through a guided cemetery tour. Tours 1 hour each. 913.971.5111 Civil War Railroads of Missouri 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Hear interesting facts about Missouri’s railroads during the war. 816.325.7575 NASCAR Sprint Cup Kansas Speedway. Bring the family out to the Speedway to see the stars of NASCAR rocket around the track at 200 mph.

866.460.7223 Ricky Nelson Remembered 7:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Ricky Nelson’s twin sons recreate their dad’s chart-topping songs for a night to remember.

913.469.8500 Youth Symphony at the Kauffman Center 7:00, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Youth Symphony performs this free concert; tickets are required. YouthSymphonyKC.org

23 MONDAY

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209 Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. Parents must supervise. $1. 816.784.6100 Visit Vaile Mansion 10:00, Vaile Mansion.

Come see one of the nation’s premiere examples

out & about

Sea Life Aquarium Ambassador: Olivia, Fairway Q: Tell me about the creature you created for the SeaLife contest. How did you decide on what to create?

A: I created the “Green Moray Shark.” I saw a Green Moray Eel on a dive and it was so scary and pretty at the same time... with its big teeth and green skin. On another dive I saw a Grey Reef Shark and it was also scary and pretty at the same time. Since both of those creatures are kind of scary and different than anything you see on land I wondered what they would look like put together. So the “Green Moray Shark” has green skin, really sharp teeth and fins like a shark.

Q: Why do you think it is important to bring awareness to saving and protecting our oceans?

Sea Life Aquarium 2450 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 816.471.4FUN (4386) VisitSeaLife.com/Kansas-city While at Sea Life, you can…

• See 5,000+ creatures including sharks, seahorses, octopus, jellyfish and rays.

• Watch our fun talks and feed shows throughout the day.

• Hold a crab or touch a starfish in the Interactive Rockpool Experience • Test your creature knowledge; take part in the free kids quiz trail.

• Journey through our underwater tunnel as sharks and rays swim overhead.

• Enjoy the children’s soft play area.

A: I hope one day to show my kids all the cool stuff in the ocean. If we don’t take care of our oceans then there will be nothing to share. Jacques Cousteau said that “we do not inherit the Earth, we borrow it from our children...” We have to save our ocean and the creatures that live there.

Q: What do you do as a Sea Life Ambassador?

A: I get to help educate people about SeaLife Aquarium as a Young Environmentalist. Another part of my job is to be at the aquarium when the fish arrive on a big truck. I also get to be at the SeaLife Aquarium when it opens on the first day!! I’m really excited to spread the word as a Young Environmentalist.

Q: How did you feel when you won?

A: I was super excited and really grateful for the awesome experience. I can’t wait to be a part of the new aquarium here in Kansas City. fall/winter 2011-12

the ultimate guide

For hundreds of more great family-friendly places to visit in KC, pick up a copy of KC Going Places.

to family fun in KC

LET’S PLAY, KANSAS CIT Y! 500+ Top Kid-Frie

ndly Adven

tures

KCGOINGPLAC

ES.COM

of second empire Victorian architecture.

816.325.7430 Back to the 50s 4:00-10:00, Summit Lanes.

Every Monday thru Aug 22, there is a $5 cover, and games, shoes, soft drinks and hot dogs are only 50 cents! 816.524.3322

balls and toys. OverlandParkMops.Blogspot.com Preschool Story Time 10:00, Grandview Library. A fun program for 3- to 5-year-olds using tried and true activities and literacy-rich books.

816.763.0550

Open Basketball 4:00-6:00, Garrison Community Center. Youth ages 17 and under can play pick-up basketball games for free. 816.784.1140

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in the indoor play area while you enjoy the full-service coffee bar.

913.631.7000

24 TUESDAY

25 WEDNESDAY

Pinocchio Commedia Thru May 19, Union Station. The traditional Italian tale of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi is adapted by Johnny Simmons. Call for showtimes. 816.460.2083 Baby Story Time 9:15, Lee’s Summit Library.

Babies 9-18 months will enjoy story time with music, repetition and fun interaction. 816.524.0567 Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Indoor play area with inflatables,

Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program for children ages 9 months to 3 years old. $1/child, members free. 913.715.2550 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child includes traditional skates, snack and drink. 913.888.6668

1

Upcycle Photographs Antisdels (Louisburg). Have your kids photographed in a new upcycled look styled by Suburban Thread. 1.913.837.2737 Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support and guide you.

816.781.7200 Family Discount Night 6:30, Landmark Skate.

Family of 4 costs ust $12. Includes skates!

Landmark2Skate.com

26 THURSDAY

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Moms and preschoolers under 5 can bowl every Thursday for just $3 each! 913.432.7000 Family Movie Night 6:30, Antioch Library. Join us on every 4th Thursday for a family friendly movie.

Snacks provided. 816.454.1306 Herb Sale and Festival 7:00, John Wornall House Museum. Three days of events include kcparent.com april 2012

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demonstrations, tastings and the herb sale! Call for start times. 816.444.1858

exclusive two-day shopping event which benefits Marion Hope Center. 816.695.1255

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical Thru Sun, 8:00, Goppert Theatre (Avila University). Tickets are $8-10 to see this popular musical thriller. Check showtimes. Avila.edu

Storling Dance Theatre: Spring Mosaic Today & tomorrow, 7:00, Just-Off Broadway Theatre. The Culture House presents Storling Dance Theatre: Spring Mosaic. 816.784.5020

27 FRIDAY

28 SATURDAY

Bird Hike 8:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Join us on the trails as we listen for songs of migrating bird species and search for new sightings. 816.226.3766 Melodies in Motion 9:30, Olathe Bible Church.

Children ages 0-4 are exposed to songs, sign language, poems and instruments. $8/family.

913.768.6974 Baby Time: Story Time 9:30, West Wyandotte Library. This program is specifically for infants ages 6 to 23 months with a caregiver or parent.

913.596.5800 Craft Time for Preschoolers 10:00, Blue Ridge Library. In approximately an hour, we’ll make three different crafts! Pre-reg. 816.761.3382 Story Time Tumble: KCKS 10:30, Turner Library.

Bring little ones each Friday for stories, songs and finger plays followed by tumbling activities.

913.596.1404 Spring Into Hope Today (5:00) & tomorrow (10:00), Independence Events Center. Enjoy this

Healthy Kids Day 8:00, area YMCA locations.

Enjoy fun activities to keep families moving and encourage healthy habits. KansasCityYMCA.org Community Day 9:00, Mildale Farm. Explore the farm property with your family during this free, public event. 913.831.3355 Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Every Saturday morning, hear a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make a craft. 816.513.8960 Zoo Tales 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. How old can the Aldabra tortoise live to be? Find out this fun fact and more! 816.513.5800 Bike Safety Rodeo 10:00, Freedom Park. Children K-14 years old can bring their bikes to learn bike safety and “rules of the road.” Bike and helmet checks available. Grandview.org Barnyard Babies 11:00, National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame. Come see what babies can be found on the farm, including chicks, calves, kids and more! 913.721.1075

MOONWALKS WATER SLIDES CONCESSIONS

CW Parker’s 148th Birthday 11:00, CWP Carousel Museum. Free cake, ice cream and lemonade! Kids can enjoy free carousel rides, too!

913.682.1311 Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration 11:00, Gardner Greenway Corridor. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch, watch a tree planting demonstration and more. 913.856.0936 Rumpelstiltskin…Recycled Thru May 10, Noon, Great Plains Mall. A clever spin on a classic tale that will get you thinking about going green!

913.642.7576 Art + Family = Fun Today & tomorrow, 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Enjoy informal looking and hands-on activities in the galleries.

816.751.1321 May Day 1:00-4:00, Lanesfield Historic Site. Join us for games, Maypole, crafts and more! Free.

913.893.6645 Woodland Wildflower Walks 2:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Wear good hiking shoes for the walk, bring your camera and then attend an identification program. 816.781.8598 Masterworks: Brahms 7:30, Liberty Performing Arts Theater. Enjoy the season finale concert featuring an evening of Brahms.

LibertySymphony.org Moscow Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). This ballet is regarded as Tchaikovsky’s finest score. Tickets: $32-42.

913.469.8500

29 SUNDAY

Visit the Market 8:00, City Market. More than 140 vendor stalls offer fine produce, meats, herbs, fresh-baked goods, flowers and more.

TheCityMarket.org Children’s Concert 2:00, St Michael’s Parish.

Jim Cosgrove, Funky Mama and Dino O’Dell come together for a fundraiser benefiting the PLGA Foundation. JimCosgrove.com

30 MONDAY

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209 Midtown Playgroup 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Bring your kids to the indoor playground setting and have some fun! $1.50/child.

816.784.5200 Toddler Time 10:00, RFCC in Leavenworth. The gym is available for kids to experience some exercise while making new friends. 913.651.2132

913-441-9200

www.FunServicesMidwest.com

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Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament 4:00, Lucile H Bluford Library. Bring your desk and your game and get ready to Yu-Gi-Oh! 816.701.3482

hib t E nteractive Ex i EE rE fr Af er at Crown Cent

Feb 4 - May 6

Animal Tales & Trails will let kids see what it’s like to prowl in a wild animal’s world. Climb up to an eagle’s nest. Slide down an iceberg like a penguin. Discover a bear with her cubs in a cave.

And hang out with many more wild animals and insects.

Saturday, March 3. REP-TAILS — An exciting and educational adventure. Meet and learn about some of Earth's most unique creatures, alligators, chinchillas, snakes and tortoises.

FREE Atrium shows at Noon & 2pm.

Saturday, April 14. AWESOME BIRDS —Delight in the playful antics of tropical birds, parrots, toucans, cockatoos, and more, presented by Wings of Love. FREE Atrium shows at Noon & 2pm.

Don’t miss Animal Tales & Trails. It’s fun. It's wildly popular.

And all activities are FREE. Crown CenTer ShowplACe – level 1 Exhibit Hours: Mon – Wed & Sat, 10am to 6pm; Thurs & Fri, 10am to 9pm; Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Closed Easter Sunday, April 8.

Three hours of free parking with validation.

Free weekend parking.

2450 Grand Blvd. • Kansas City, MO • 816-274-8444 www.crowncenter.com • Entertain the possibilities.

Connect with us on Facebook.

Follow @crowncenter on Twitter.

We don’t address the symptoms of ADHD. We address the cause.

At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s ADHD at the most fundamental level — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.

Call

Visit

lEaRN MORE

913.627.9400

6406 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66211

brainbalanceoverlandpark.com

©2012 Brain Balance Centers

Brain Balance of Overland Park

kcparent.com april 2012

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AFTER A LONG DAY THIS MUST LOOK LIKE A DREAM...

(WELL, THERE’S A REASON IT IS CALLED DREAM DINNERS.)

GET PUB STYLE CHICKEN, MARKET SALMON, LAYERED RAVIOLI BAKE, PIZZA & MORE. JUST ADD A TABLECLOTH, AND YOU’RE READY FOR DINNER.

www.dreamdinners.com • 119MetcalfKS@dreamdinners.com • (913) 491-6733

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Kansas City Zoo

NEW Sumatran Tiger Exhibit Renovations Opening Spring 2012

Affordable Family Fun Purchase Your 2012 Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Membership Today!

2012 FOTZ Memberships Include: FREE Zoo admission through March 31, 2013 Discounts at Zoo gift shops and ed-ZOO-cation and much more!

Open Daily 816.513.5800 kansascityzoo.org 63

The Kansas City Zoo is a private non-profit operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board ofkcparent.com Parks and Recreation Commissioners and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. april 2012

Not your average playground.

This April, bring the entire family to Kansas Speedway to see the stars of NASCAR rocketing around the track at 200 mph. The action at Kansas Speedway will be more exciting than ever.

• April 22 NASCAR Sprint Cup tickets available now – prices start at $59.

• We have more tickets available for $99 or less than ever before.

• You can bring in a 14” x 14” x 14” cooler filled with your favorite refreshments.

• Parking is free.

866.460.RACE (7223) kansasspeedway.com/kids

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